England got the edge on Australia in Game 1 of this T20 series with an eight-run victory in Perth, defying the history that was stacked against them. The visitors will be out to wrap things up with a second consecutive win as both teams travel to Canberra for Game 2.
Josh Nevett takes a close look at the contest with his free preview and cricket betting tips below.
Australia vs England T20 Game 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Manuka Oval, Canberra, Wednesday October 12th, 7:10pm (AEDT)
Squads
Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
England: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Match Preview
As predicted, England took full advantage of Australia’s understrength bowling attack, plundering 6-208 to set up their triumph in a high scoring encounter. Openers Jos Buttler (68 off 32) and Alex Hales (84 off 51) led the way for the visitors, smashing the Aussies around the park in an impressive display of power hitting. Nathan Ellis (3-20 off 4 overs) was the only shining light for Australia with the ball, displaying why he is perhaps unlucky to be missing out on a World Cup spot.
Australia made a good fist of the chase – they managed 9-200 and were on track until the final overs - however, a target of 200+ is always a tall order. David Warner (73 off 44) was aptly supported by Mitch Marsh (36 off 26) and Marcus Stoinis (35 off 15), while Mark Wood (3-34) and Sam Curran (2-35) did the business for the away team.
Undoubtedly, England will have taken a lot of confidence out of the win. It will be a whole different ball game in the second match though, as several Aussie stars return. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa and Mitchell Starc are all back in the squad for Game 2, strengthening both the bowling and batting stocks. England are unlikely to make many changes, so I can see Australian levelling up the series thanks to a welcome top up of talent.
Match Result: Australia to win
$1.90
Prop Bets
Rashid failed to make an impact in Game 1, finishing with 1-41 off his three overs. However, the slower Canberra pitch should suit him, and as usual Australia will line-up with a right-hander heavy batting unit.
England Top Wicket Taker – Adil Rashid ($4.50 Ladbrokes)
This play is dependant on final team selections. Aaron Finch has announced that he will reclaim his spot at the top of the order at the expense of Green, who has played that role in recent times. As such, Green may be shuffled back to the middle order… if he plays at all. With a locked in role at the top, Hales has a far better chance of scoring well on Wednesday.
Green vs Hales Handicap – Hales -3.5 ($1.83 Ladbrokes)
