England levelled the series in Cardiff with a thrilling chase to beat Australia by three wickets. It’s winner takes all in the series decider at Old Trafford, and Jack Tobin has you covered with his full preview and tips!
England vs Australia: 3rd T20I Preview & Betting Tips
Manchester, Sunday 15th September, 11:30pm AEST
England
Squad: Phil Salt, Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Josh Hull, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, John Turner
Liam Livingstone produced a stunning 87 off 47 to help guide England to victory at Sophia Gardens, as England reached the target of 194 with six balls to spare. Livingstone combined with youngster Jacob Bethell (44 off 24) in a 90 run partnership in 8 overs for the fourth wicket that was ultimately the difference in the game.
Australia’s top order once again got off to a flyer, and like in game one it was England’s spin that brought England back into the game. Liam Livingstone (2/16 off 3) and Adil Rashid (1/35) once again got the better off Australia’s middle order, while Brydon Carse was excellent with 2/26.
There are still major concerns around England’s seamers with Sam Curran, Reece Topley and Saqib Mahmood all going at over 12 runs an over, and only taking one wicket between them. In game one Curran went at 17.5 runs per over while Topley went at an economy of 15.
Australia
Squad: Mitchell Marsh, Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Ben Dwarshuis, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia rotated their side in game two with Mitch Marsh (illness), Xavier Bartlett (side strain) and Josh Hazlewood (managed) out of the side. Youngsters Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie came into the 11, with Fraser-McGurk producing the best score of his young T20I career with 50 off 31. Hardie contributed with an handy 20* off 9 at the end of Australia’s innings.
It was a similar tale with the bat for Australia with their top order getting them off to a flying start. Travis Head (31 off 14), Matt Short (28 off 24), Fraser-McGurk (50 off 31) and Josh Inglis (42 off 26) put Australia in a strong position, however Marcus Stonis ( 2 off 5) and Tim David (1 off 3) failed to impact once again. Unlike game one though, Australia had some potency at the death thanks to Aaron Hardie (20* off 9).
Outside of Matt Short, Australia’s bowlers were well off their best with Short the only Australian bowler to go at an economy rate under 9.25. Short took a career best 5/25 as he continues to prove that he belongs in Australia’s T20 side after two dominant seasons in the Big Bash.
Match Prediction
Australia’s bowling attack full of all-rounders struggled in game two, so Josh Hazlewood will be a massive inclusion to balance out Australia’s attack. Mitch Marsh will also be a handy inclusion for Australia as they look to win a fourth consecutive T20I series. Game 3 will largely be a tale of who can fix the deficiency that has hampered them most throughout the series.
Can Australia’s middle order of Stoinis and David finally get going? Or will England’s seam bowlers produce? Given how long England has had issues with their pace bowlers in white ball cricket, it’s easier to see Stonis and David finding form. With Hazlewood back Australia will be able to structure a bowling attack that will be much more potent, as the Aussies have been in T20 cricket in 2024. This year Australia have won 14 of their 18 T20 Internationals, and they will get over the line on Sunday to claim another series victory.
Australia
$1.68 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bet
Although he seems to go under the radar, Josh Inglis has been one of the biggest catalysts to Australia’s excellent T20 form in 2024. This year Inglis has averaged 36 at a strike rate of 162, with knocks of 103, 37 and 42 in his last three innings. Inglis has gone at a strike over 160 in five of his last six innings, which is impressive considering he’s mainly batted at number four.
Josh Inglis Top Australian Run Scorer
$5.20
