England will try to claw their way back into the ODI series as they take on World Champions Australia in the second ODI at the Lord’s on Saturday evening Australian time.
Australia’s Ashes losses in 2009 and 2013 were followed by impressive victories in the ODI series. That trend appears set to continue in 2015 as the World Champions look to ease the pain of the Ashes in the limited overs format.
The hosts were completely outplayed in all departments by the Aussies in the first ODI and were humbled by 59 runs. England reduced Australia to 6/193 only to see Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh add 112 in the final 13 overs. The collapse in batting was also prominent as England lost its way from a strong position of 2/152 after 27 overs.
Eoin Morgan will hope that his team displays the kind of spirit they showed against New Zealand earlier in the summer. Any slack in their display and a 2-0 deficit in the series will result in an uphill battle for the English. Morgan will be looking for more consistency from his fast bowlers, which was the weak link at the Ageas Bowl.
Australia started their Steve Smith era brightly and started the series with a plucky win. Smith would especially be happy with the rearguard action of Wade and Marsh along with the display of his fast bowlers.
The surprise bonus for the visitors was the bowling of Glenn Maxwell who exhibited better control than he is known for. They would like to continue their superiority and prove that they remain an imposing one-day unit despite changes since the World Cup win.
This is an unpredictable England squad which has some quality match winners in its ranks. Although it is difficult for them to overpower the Aussie side, do not count them entirely out. Odds of $2.53 at Sportsbet on an English win could be a risk worth taking.
Pat Cummins continues to enjoy his comeback to the Aussie side with another two wickets in the 1st ODI as he threatens the England side with his searing pace. Happy to again back him at $4.00 at Sportsbet to be Australia’s leading wicket taker for the match.
Adil Rashid (pictured) had a good outing in the first match with four wickets and should continue to trouble the Aussies with his spin. With the other bowlers looking flat, odds of $4.50 at Sportsbet on Rashid to be the leading wicket taker for England looks a great play.
All in all, it is an exciting match to look forward to!
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