Australia’s lies in it’s own hands as they prepare for their ICC Champions Trophy match against England on Saturday night. If they win, they will advance to the semi finals alongside England. If they lose, the winner out of Bangladesh and New Zealand the night before will advance from Group A.
England are the only team in the pool to win a game so far with Australia’s games against Bangladesh and New Zealand both being washed out. It leaves a lot of unknown on the table for the Aussies, who have only batted a total of 25 overs through their two games so far.
After an average start with the ball in game one, allowing New Zealand to set a total of 291, the Aussies bounced back in their second game, dismissing Bangladesh for 182 as Mitchell Starc picked up four wickets. The inclusion of spinner Adam Zampa was also crucial as he was arguably the pick of the bowlers with 2/13 off his 4 overs.
England have won both of their games in comfortable fashion. They chased down Bangladesh’s total of 305, losing just 2 wickets in the tournament opener and made light work of the Kiwis, restricting them to 233 after setting 310.
England have looked the form team of the comp so far but with the complete unknown surrounding the Aussies it makes for a really tough game to call. The English batting line-up looks the best it has in years with Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes and Jos Butler all in top form.
We haven’t seen value like this for Australia in an ODI match for a long time. England have all the momentum and the advantage of actually having played some cricket in the tournament so far but they are also England, who love to choke against the Aussies on the big stage.
Steve Smith and David Warner both looked ominous in Australia’s 16 over innings against Bangladesh and the Aussies are hard to bet against when the duo are in form.
TIP: Australia to win - $1.91 at Sportsbet
Joe Root has looked unstoppable in England’s first two games. He has top scored in both with a great knock of 133 in the first game followed by 64 against the Kiwis. At odds of $3.75, he’s great value to be the top English batsman.
TIP: Joe Root top English run scorer - $3.75 at Ladbrokes
Jason Roy has been the only English batsman that has been struggling for form of late. He’ll get another tough test trying to keep out Mitch Starc in the opening overs of this match. Back Australia to have the top opening partnership on the back of Aaron Finch and David Warner who both looked decent in the Bangladesh game.
TIP: Australia high opening partnership - $1.83 at Sportsbet
Always Gamble Responsibly.
