Ready for some England vs Australia? Whatever your answer, there’s plenty in store this month with eight matches in 18 days starting with the first of three T20Is in Southampton. And from the paying batsmen’s point of view, the end-of-season action seems popular with five sold-out matches after the Sri Lankan Test series where the underdogs on other days were the talk of the town.
England’s poor plans were again highlighted as the series began on what would have been the final day of The Oval Test had it gone the distance. It means an almost completely different team in T20Is – Josh Hull is the all-rounder – in England’s first series after a difficult T20 World Cup campaign that eventually led to Matthew Mott’s dismissal.
England’s men’s coaching roles will be combined under Brendon McCullum, but not until January with Marcus Trescothick in charge of the series and tour of the West Indies in November (between the Test series against Pakistan and New Zealand) and in the T20Is at least there is a standing captaincy with Phil Salt deputizing for Jos Buttler. injured.
Still, there is no shortage of white-ball pedigree in the England team: despite a shocking ODI World Cup and an uninspired version of the T20 it feels their depth is still important, and perhaps it has been a case of the golden generation being given too long. before the next batch is released.
Ahead of Scotland’s three-match tour of Australia, Mitchell Marsh played down the prospect of his team returning to T20s after a disappointing exit from the World Cup where, in fact, they finished ahead of England. The change in the composition of the Australian team in 2026 feels more subtle than the home team, although there is an England Test team that could appear if the schedule allows.
They were at their best in the three matches against Scotland with Josh Inglis and Cameron Green, who had not been used in the T20 World Cup squad, coming out impressively after Travis Head’s opening strike.
Pace-bowling resources are increasing due to looming injuries – most notably Nathan Ellis who is not on the tour – but Josh Hazlewood has joined the squad after a minor tweak that meant he was ruled out of the Scotland leg. It is likely that Australia will continue to perform well with their combination and batting order during this series.
Form guide
(last five games completed, most recent first) In England LWLWW Australia WWWLL
Highlights: Jacob Bethell and Jake Fraser-McGurk
When you look at the new England squad you can pick anyone, and it’s probably easier to leave the whole XI exposed. But all-rounder Jacob of Bethelborn in Barbados, he has made headlines this season and his skills are already being noticed around the world with BBL and SA20 deals. He had a standout season in the T20 Blast for Birmingham Bears, averaging 36.10 with a strike rate of 153.61, including 15 50 balls. His team-mate Dan Mousley, who is in the England team, said: “I’ve never seen many people hit the ball like that.”
Jake Fraser-McGurk he was given first dibs to replace David Warner at the top of the Australian order, but it was not an easy start against Scotland with two ducks either side making 16 starts in his T20I career. He has been given license to go into high gear from the first ball, but the fast-paced, two-pace pitch has not been to his liking, a far cry from the flat pitches in the IPL where he put his name in the limelight earlier this year. enjoying a relaxing summer at home. Following on from a soft MLC means Fraser-McGurk has 97 runs in his last T20 innings. With Matt Short available for this series after the arrival of his first child, who was only part of the ODI squad, and others who could easily open, Fraser-McGurk may not get all three matches against England, or he may have tried elsewhere.
Team news: England debuts for Bethell, Cox
England confirmed their starting XI 24 hours before the game. Bethell and Jordan Cox will make their debuts while Jamie Overton, who has been called up to replace Jos Buttler, also makes his T20I debut as the only batsman as he continues to recover from a back injury. Saqib Mahmood is playing his international debut from March 2023.
England: 1 Phil Salt (capt & wk), 2 Will Jacks, 3 Jordan Cox, 4 Liam Livingstone, 5 Jacob Bethell, 6 Sam Curran, 7 Jamie Overton, 8 Jofra Archer, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Saqib Mahmood, 11 Reece Topley
Marsh did not name Australia’s XI but confirmed that Hazlewood was ready to return after his calf injury. He also said that if Short plays, he will open the door which may mean that Fraser-McGurk will miss out.
Australia: (probable) 1 Travis Head, 2 Jake Fraser-McGurk/Matt Short, 3 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 4 Josh Inglis (wk), 5 Marcus Stoinis, 6 Cameron Green, 7 Tim David, 8 Sean Abbott, 9 Xavier Bartlett, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood
Tone and context
There wasn’t much grass on the face and some of the biggest boundaries in the country would suit Australia. The autumn weather is well prepared, if it is cold in the evening. The game is sold out and Hampshire is turning on 1000 solar panels at the Utilita Bowl before the game.
Math and trivia
Southampton was the venue for the first T20I between the sides in 2005 when Australia were bowled out by 79 runs before that summer’s Ashes. In 2020 the bottom third tier behind closed doors T20 during the Covid period in which England won 2-1.
Josh Inglis currently averages 42.87 with a strike rate of 176.80 when batting at No. 3 in T20Is.
In 24 T20Is between these teams, it stands at 11-11 with no two results.
Quotes
“We see him playing an important role as Jos’s right-hand man… his name has stood up to the leadership qualities you expect from your players in the team and he has everything you could wish for and the respect you would expect. ‘I will look for the captain.’ Marcus Trescothic to Salt instead of Buttler
“Regardless of the format, they are our old rivals and we love coming here. The reception we get as an Australian cricket team is always great.” Mitchell Marsh playing against England again
