Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
In the theme of the Football World Cup, Australia’s “World Cup Final” is here. They have entered a scenario they needed to avoid before the series began: 2-0 down after as many matches, and needing to win all three remaining games to win the series.
This may seem impossible looking at the two sides at the moment, but Australia need only focus on this third match and get the series back to 2-1. Easier said than done, though.
England, on the other hand, sit in the perfect position. While their performances haven’t been perfect yet, and probably should be beating Australia more convincingly, they are in prime position to hammer Australia with a pressure-reduced 2-0 series lead. England took advantage of Australia’s somewhat nervous mindset in Cardiff, and fired with the bat to rack up 342/8, their highest ever ODI score v the Aussies. England will be further boosted by the expected return of Eoin Morgan, so watch out Australia.
Australia need to dig deep and find something. They decided to chase in Cardiff, which didn’t go well as they conceded far too many with the ball. The lack of yorkers at the death was disappointing, considering they fielded the likes of AJ Tye and Jhye Richardson, who are promising performers in the Big Bash League and other T20 matches. In addition, there are numerous injury concerns. Tim Paine, Billy Stanlake and Glenn Maxwell could all be playing with niggles, leaving us scratching our heads as to how Australia can put a somewhat competitive XI together. Good luck is all I can say.
Key to an England win
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| Jason Roy played his best knock for England since his MCG 180 |
Key to an Australia win
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| Shaun Marsh was superb in Cardiff but needed more support |
Predicted teams
Stats and Facts:
- If Australia lose this game, it will be their fourth ODI series loss in a row. They have never lost four in a row before.
- Eoin Morgan is 41 runs away from becoming England’s leading run scorer in ODIs.
- Australia have the worst ODI win-loss ratio of any team in the last 12 months (0.181). Since the Champions Trophy, they have won two of 15 ODIs.
- Australia’s current ODI ranking of 6th is their worst in 34 years.
- England have not won back-to-back ODI series against Australia since 1986-87.
Prediction:
In the meantime, be sure to check out my piece on whether England should be considered World Cup favourites. Thanks for reading.
