With the dust settled on the ball tampering saga from the South Africa series, Australia embark on their five-match ODI series against traditional rivals England starting this Wednesday, June 13th. With the focus on new coach Justin Langer and interim captain Tim Paine, there is no doubt that Australia have a lot on their plate on and off the pitch. How is the series expected to roll?
England vs Australia ODI Series
England – a chance to re-assert their ODI supremacy
Let’s not have any doubts about this – England remain a very strong ODI outfit and it will take some work to dethrone them at home. It’s true that they were jolted by the humbling loss at the hands of Scotland and that they will be without top allrounders Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes – but, the fact remains that England have great ODI pedigree.
The form of Jonny Bairstow at the top is a comforting factor, even if questions remain over the role and runs from his partner. Joe Root, Jos Buttler, and Eoin Morgan add muscle to the middle-order.
England bowling will be all about variety as Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali give them balance and control. The role of an out-and-out seamer is still up for grabs as Mark Wood remains inconsistent, but England remain a settled group.
Australia – a chance to start afresh
The visitors haven’t wasted time in announcing that they are here to change people’s perceptions about Australian cricket. The most important factor for Langer and his wards is not just winning the series but winning back the confidence of the fans.
Aaron Finch remains the ‘father figure’ for a line-up that looks thin in the middle-order. The presence of exciting all-rounders Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis gives them a new look, but the Kangaroos will be worried about the lack of a pivot in their batting set-up.
There are no such worries in the bowling department as the likes of Billy Stanlake, Andrew Tye, and Kane Richardson provide spunk. There is pace, guile and experience on offer from the squad and this augurs well in their endeavour to start afresh.
Stats
- Australia lost their last three bilateral ODI series.
- Australia lost four of their last five bilateral ODI series away from home.
- England have won their last five home ODI series.
- England have won nine of their last ten ODI series.
- Since World Cup 2015 Final, England have won 41 of 64 ODIs (64%).
- Since World Cup 2015 Final, Australia have won only 28 of 56 ODIs (50%).
England to win series
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