Ford returns to England starting XV
Ford starts at flyhalf, with Owen Farrell moving to inside centre, and Nowell is reinstated on the wing.
The pack is unchanged to the one that started the first Test against Australia in Brisbane last weekend.
"We've picked a 23 to get the job done in Melbourne," said England head coach Eddie Jones.
"Throughout the week the players have shown they're desperate to wear the red rose which meant some close calls on selection.
"It's a 23 that suits the way we want to play at AAMI Park. George and Owen playing together gives us two great kicking options and Jack is a high work-rate player."
Elsewhere Saracens hooker Jamie George, Harlequins back-row forward Jack Clifford and Wasps centre Elliot Daly are all included as replacements.
Loose forward Chris Robshaw will win his 50th England cap having made his debut against Argentina in 2009.
"As soon as we came off the field in Brisbane our thoughts turned to Melbourne and I'm pleased with how we’ve prepared as the week has progressed," added Jones,
"The players have recognised the importance of going up another level and have trained with a real intensity and purpose."
England defeated Australia 39-28 in the first Test in Brisbane last weekend to get the three-match Southern Hemisphere tour off to a winning start but Jones says his side will need to improve on that display to clinch the series.
"We weren't satisfied with last weekend's performance and we know there's lots to improve on, particularly aspects of our defence and breakdown work, which we’re confident we've remedied," he said.
"We know the job isn't done. We came here to win a Test series and that’s what we intend to do. Australia will try and throw everything at us on Saturday and we’ll be ready for the challenge."
England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 James Haskell, 6 Chris Robshaw, 5 George Kruis, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley (captain), 1 Mako Vunipola.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Matt Mullan, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Joe Launchbury, 20 Courtney Lawes, 21 Jack Clifford, 22 Danny Care, 23 Elliot Daly.
Date: Saturday, June 18
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 20:00 (11.00 BST; 10:00 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
