The arch-rivals England and Australia will lock horn against each other in the first of three T20is on 10th September at The Ageas Bowl.
Match Preview:
Australia returned to England last summer when the side faced each other in an interesting and thrilling Ashes series which ended in a draw and Australia retained the series.
There will be plenty of Australia and England games this month as the sides will be competing in three T20is and five ODIs.
Talking about England, they will come from a fresh defeat they faced against Sri Lanka, but it was in the Test format of the game. Still, it ended England’s dream of an “unbeaten” summer as the streak ended nearly after decades.
Nevertheless, the side last played a T20I game in the T20 World Cup 2024 earlier this year. Although they made it into the semi-final of the tournament, they played a bit of disappointing cricket exactly opposite to the expectations they had set.
With Mark Wood already out for the year, England will be playing without the services of Jos Buttler as well who picked up a calf injury before The Hundred tournament. Moeen Ali has also announced retirement from international cricket Phil Salt will lead the side in the absence of Buttler. The Three Lions have also called up Jamie Overton and Jordan Cox for the T20 and ODI squad, respectively.
But amongst all, Jacob Bethell, is an interesting player and it will be exciting to see how he will represent himself if given the opportunity against the likes of Australia. He was amazing for Birmingham Bears, averaging 36.10 with a strike-rate of 153.61in the T20 blast this year and if anything, the all-rounder will look to replicate in international cricket too.
Talking about Australia, Pat Cummins has missed out on the squad as the committee decided to rest him for this particular series. Travis Head will lead the side in the ODIs. Meanwhile, Jake Fraser-McGurk will replace David Warner in the team as he announced retirement from international cricket after the T20 World Cup 2024.
Australia had a flawless group stage in the above-mentioned edition of the World Cup, but they ended up losing to Afghanistan hence they couldn’t play semi-finals of the tournament.
Recently, they faced Scotland in the three-match T20 series and swept the side, aptly. Marsh and Head were in hot-form as they broke multiple records including the most runs scored in a powerplay – 116 for 1.
Nevertheless, all the eyes will be on Jake Fraser-McGurk as he should consider scoring runs since he failed to make his mark in the recently concluded Scotland series.
Pitch and weather condition:
There wasn’t much grass on the pitch and the average batting score was 172 in the ground. Seamers may get early swing and about the weather there is 13% chances of rain on the game day.
Head-to-head record:
Both of the side met each other in the T20 format for 24 times and their tally stands equal as of now, 11 games have been won by the side. Whoever wins on 10th, will lead in the head-to-head record.
Predictions:
Although England will be playing at home, Australia are favourites to win the game given their players were in terrific form against Scotland.
Where to watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad
England: Sky Sports Network.
Australia: Amazon Prime
India: Star Sports Network
Others: CricHD
