Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey
The tables have turned. While England would have come to Australia eyeing the Ashes, they have proved to be too good for Australia so far in the ODIs, and are eyeing a huge series win to heal some of the Ashes pain. Led by an excellent bowling performance in the 2nd ODI, which I thought would be very important in helping England win, Australia now face a do-or-die clash in Sydney.
 |
| Another CricBlog article you might like |
Australia have been hit hard, both by England and illness, as well as their questionable selections. England’s batsmen have enjoyed pace so far this series, and Australia made the mistake of not going with a specialist spinner in Brisbane. What would have even hurt more was Rashid Ali and Joe Root picking up regular wickets to halt Australia’s progress. I’m very sure we’ll see changes for Australia in the 3rd ODI.
Another big difference between the sides so far is the balance of the two teams. England have been sure of the make up of their line up, with a good mixture of stroke makers and accumulators with the bat, and pace and spin with the ball. For Australia, their planning has been all over the place. Kim Kardashian named her daughter “Chicago West”, but that’s still not as stupid as Australia leaving out their best spinner, Nathan Lyon, for this series so far.
Key to an Australia win
Employ more pace off the ball.
Despite the wickets taken by Mitchell Starc and Jhye Richardson in the 2nd ODI, England have largely enjoyed having the ball come onto the bat, and using the pace. Australia went into the game without a specialist spinner, which played right into England’s hands. After the 3rd ODI, Steve Smith conceded that Nathan Lyon was back in the ODI frame, and he could be key in helping reel England’s batsmen in.
What will also help is more from Steve Smith and David Warner, who are yet to make an impact so far in this series.
Key to an England win
Aaron Finch has worked hard this series at setting a great platform for his team with two hundreds, but ultimately, Australia’s totals have been far from enough. This is credit to England’s bowling, which possesses the variety needed to pick up regular wickets. England’s batting certainly has been wonderful to watch, but their bowlers have done a superb job in keeping Australia, especially David Warner and Steve Smith, quiet.
 |
| Joe Root is yet to be dismissed this series. |
Predicted teams:
Stats & Facts:
- Australia have won just one of their last 10 completed ODIs.
- England have won five of the last six ODIs between the two teams.
- Joe Root since start of 2016 (36 ODIs): 1,916 runs at an average of 70.96.
- Eoin Morgan now holds the record for most ODIs as England captain (70), going past Alastair Cook.
Prediction:
This promises to be a high scoring game on a good batting pitch in warm conditions in Sydney. I like England’s chances to take the series, simply because they have Australia’s measure in all facets of the game. England’s top order, especially Joe Root, are in excellent form for England, and their bowlers are doing a wonderful job containing Australia. They are setting the pace, and Australia are struggling to keep up.
England to win and take the series.
Other CricBlog articles you might like:
