Australia are set to unleash their front-line pace attack in a desperate attempt to stay alive in the One Day International Series against England, when the two side clash again in Sydney this Sunday. After going down 0-2, the home team need to re-write history if they are to come back and win this series.
England have been completely dominant in the first two matches, easily chasing down under-par targets on both occasions. But with Australia fielding an unusually weak bowling attack in the 2nd ODI, what target would’ve been enough anyway?
There will be no excuses in the 3rd ODI on Sunday as Australia welcome back Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood, and along with Mitchell Starc, form their best pace bowling lineup so far. Will Adam Zampa also be recalled to provide a spin option? You’d have to think so. Tim Paine is also expected to return after recovering from illness, with Alex Carey to drop back to the BBL.
The Aussie batting lineup probably also needs a tweak as it seems this combination are unable to get the job done. Is there room for both Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis in the same team? Or do the Aussies need some more batting depth? With guys like D’Arcy Short, Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh knocking down the door, and Cam White in the squad already, you’d have to think this batting outfit needs to perform or changes will be made sooner rather than later.
Aaron Finch has been great at the top of the order with back-to-back centuries, but that’s been about it. Steve Smith’s spot at number three has even been questioned which shows the desperation levels at the moment. With just one win in their last ten ODIs, this team has endured the worst run of an Australian ODI team in history. Desperate times indeed.
Meanwhile the aggression of England has paid off handsomely in the first two ODIs. Alex Hales got in the runs, while Jason Roy and Joe Root have also helped to put the sword to the fodder offered by the Australian bowling unit. England have also used their spin options quite cleverly with Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali and even Joe Root himself all proving difficult to overcome.
The most incredible thing about this series so far is that England have been posted as underdogs in every match. How is that possible? Are we that biased in our betting? The Australian team have been plain and placid, while this England outfit have been shown to be bold and strong. Even after thumping them in the first two matches, we’re still given $2.20 about England to win the 3rd ODI! Value!
TIP: England to win - $2.20 at Ladbrokes
Always Gamble Responsibly.
