England will try to continue their ascendancy over Australia as the five-match One Day International (ODI) series kicks off at Southampton on Thursday 3rd September.
The hosts maintained a strong grip over the Aussies throughout the English summer. Though their performances have not been entirely convincing, England were able to regain the Ashes and then win the one-off T20 on Monday night.
England’s current ODI squad is a complete contrast to anything they have turned up with in the past. Eoin Morgan has many match winners at his disposal and would be eager to continue their new found aggressiveness.
England come in the back of a 3-2 series win over New Zealand in what was one of the most entertaining ODI series of all time. Being long term planners, England already have set sights on the next ODI world cup – however clichéd it is.
Joe Root has been rested after a lengthy summer while Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad continue to be absent from the ODI squad. Multi-skilled players Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are vital for Morgan’s chances of success.
Australia, on the other hand, are the current One Day International World Champions. This will be their first test after winning the global tournament. They also bear a new look with Steve Smith assuming full-time charge and many players trying to grab attention and cement their places.
Australia overcame Ireland in a rain affected ODI just before losing the T20 against England. In a match they dominated for most part of their innings, Australia still found a way to lose to England. The change of format suits this team and the Aussies would be eager to start the series on a right note.
Smith will continue to shoulder the burden of scoring runs while Glenn Maxwell and David Warner provide the X-factor. Joe Burns could turn out to be the surprise package.
England are offered odds of $2.45 at Sportsbet to win the first ODI which may prove to be a reasonable bet. Australia will start the favourites at $1.65 at Unibet.
Moeen Ali has been consistent through the summer and may continue to prove critics wrong with his all-round talents. At odds of $17.00 at CrownBet to be ‘Man of the Match’, Moeen could spring yet another surprise this summer.
Pat Cummins (pictured) is the strike weapon for Australia with the ball with his searing pace, and odds of $4.33 at Ladbrokes might be worth a bet for Australia’s leading wicket taker in the match.
Either way, the match promises to be a high scoring and entertaining one as the traditional rivals move to the short format for the best-of-five series.
