Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
History for all the wrong reasons if you’re an Australia. For all the right reasons if you’re English. The way this series has panned out (expected, yes), history looks very likely.
England are on the verge of achieving their first ever 5-0 ODI series win over Australia, and in the lead up, they a trying to fool us a little. “I think 5-0 doesn’t really make a difference in the grand scheme of things”, says Eoin Morgan. So, can we just forget this match and end the series, then? Of course England would be motivated to beat the old enemy 5-0, and with their batsmen simply all over Australia’s bowlers, tipping anything other than an England win would be brave (and stupid).
Australia, before 2016, had never lost an ODI series 5-0. Now, they face the prospect of two in two years, after losing by the same margin against South Africa in 2016. Of course, Australia have it in them to fight back after a series like this, but the bowling, comprising of good T20 talent, has struggled badly in these ODIs. Can they somehow restrict England’s batting, and score more runs of their own, to avoid a series whitewash?
Key to an England win
In the last three ODIs, England have amassed 1,134 runs at 7.85 runs per over. The beast has awoken after a shock loss to Scotland, then a shaky batting display in the first ODI at The Oval.
The top order, especially Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, are in irresistible form. The key for England would be another strong opening stand to push Australia on the defensive, and then take advantage with a firing batting line up.
Also, England would have been pleased to restrict Australia to 310/8 on Thursday, when 330+ looked on the cards. Mark Wood showed encouraging signs, so too David Willey, so here is another opportunity to put on a decent showing in the quest for 5-0.
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| Jason Roy has been on fire |
Key to an Australia win
Is it alright if I leave this blank?
Fine, I’ll think of something.
The fact that Joe Root bowled ten overs for 44 in the 4th ODI is major cause for disappointment. What’s that about? Root should not be achieving such figures on flat pitches. So, Australia need to be much more ruthless when the opportunity presents itself.
Also, how can Australia keep England’s batsmen somewhat quiet? A good start would be a couple of early wickets, and force England to rebuild for a little while. As they say, the best way to slow the scoring rate is to take wickets. Also, some yorkers at the death will help.
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| Shaun Marsh has performed well in this series. |
Possible teams
For England, Craig Overton could miss out after a scratchy ODI debut on Thursday. Also, there is a chance Mark Wood will be rested, meaning Jake Ball could come in.
England XI: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jonny Bairstow, 3. Alex Hales, 4. Joe Root, 5. Eoin Morgan (c), 6. Jos Buttler (wk), 7. Moeen Ali, 8. David Willey, 9. Liam Plunkett, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Jake Ball/Mark Wood
Glenn Maxwell could return for Australia after missing the 4th ODI with a shoulder complaint.
Australia XI: 1. Aaron Finch, 2. Travis Head, 3. Shaun Marsh, 4. Marcus Stoinis, 5. Alex Carey, 6. Glenn Maxwell, 7. Tim Paine (c & wk), 8. Ashton Agar, 9. Jhye Richardson, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Billy Stanlake
Stats and Facts:
- Australia had never lost an ODI series 5-0 before 2016.
- England have never beaten any top nation 5-0 before. The last time they achieved this was v Zimbabwe in 2001.
- Australia’s economy rate of 7.10 is the worst they have ever conceded in an ODI series of five or more matches.
- Jason Roy (81 runs needed) and Jonny Bairstow (96 runs needed) are both with a chance of overtaking Alex Hales as the highest run getter in a single series for England (383 runs).
- Australia need to win to move back to fifth in the ODI rankings.
Prediction:
England. Nothing more to say.
