The first ODI of the five-match series between England and Australia will be played on 19th September at Trent Bridge.
Match preview:
After the T20 series ended in a draw, fans and pundits will look forward to seeing if the ODI series can offer some series-ending ceremony. Talking about the T20 series, the first T20 was won by the Australian side while in the second T20 England clawed back to set a series decider. However, the last T20 of the series could not be played due to the rain.
Talking about the ODIs, both England and Australia do not play ODI cricket much. The 50-over series has become lesser since the T20 leagues took over the world of cricket. Nevertheless, this series will be important for both of the nations in the context of the upcoming Champions Trophy set to be played in Pakistan.
Talking about the series, Australia has recalled their senior campaigner in the name of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marnus Labuschagne, and Mitchell Starc. Both Alex Carey and Josh Inglis have been part of the squad as well. Inglis has not seen training a lot lately which means Carey may play the first ODI of the series over him, not confirmed yet.
Maxwell is making a comeback as he was not part of the West Indies series earlier this year so he will be playing 50-over cricket since the World Cup final. Maxwell has been a key part of Australia’s ODI line-up as besides his batting, his bowling is helpful too. It would be interesting to see how he presents himself against the arch-rivals. And if he clicks, the Champions Trophy isn’t far away.
Australia has added Mahli Beardman, the 19-year-old pacer as a response to their fast bowlers injury list and also this move will help to manage the workload on the pacers, too.
“It’s certainly a busy schedule and there are times when we might have to manage guys through and playing five games in 10 days is certainly a big ask but we’ll manage that the best we can.”Mitchell Marsh on Australia’s fast bowlers
Talking about England, they will be playing without their regular captain, Jos Buttler who is still recovering from a calf injury. Harry Brook will be the stand-in skipper for the series and Ben Duckett is supposed to open with Phil Salt. Jamie Smith will be the keeper for the home side.
Jacob Bethell may also make his debut in the upcoming series and it will be interesting to see how England will manage the workload of Jofra Archer who will be playing 50-over cricket after the gap of 18 months.
The change in leadership will not change the playing style of England as confirmed by the stand-in skipper ahead of the series.
“Me and Tres [Trescothick] are both on the same page to Baz, we want to go out there and entertain the crowd, take the game on, try to take wickets and put the pressure on their bowlers. And in the field, chase down every ball and just try to influence the game as much as you can” – Harry Brook
Probable playing XIs:
England:
Phil Salt (wk), Will Jacks, Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox, Harry Brook (c), Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood, Reece Topley.
Australia:
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis.
Pitch and weather report:
The weather is sunny and a great game of cricket is expected between the two great sides. Talking about the pitch, Trent Bridge is one of those venues which is known as a “batting paradise”. Since 2010, it has had the highest average and strike rate of all
England and Wales venues. Nevertheless, it may assist pacers too.
Head-to-head record:
A total of 156 ODIs have been played between these two sides. Australia stood victorious in 88 games while England won 63 games.
Prediction:
Although England is also a strong side, given Australia’s performance in the ODI World Cup and their players’ experience, they are favorites to win the clash.
Where to watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad
UK: Sky Sports
India: SonyLiv app and website
Australia: Foxtel
Others: CricHD
