Australia vs In England
June 8, Bridgetown, 1pm local, 6pm GMT, 10.30pm IST
Big picture – Defending champions under the pump (again)
The first heavyweight clash of this expanded T20 World Cup format comes with history and minor twists. A repeat of the 2010 World T20 final at Kensington Oval, the match pits defending champions Jos Buttler – who are aiming to become the first team to retain the trophy – against machine Australia, the 2021 winners and current world title holders. in Test and ODI cricket. And that’s before you toss the ashes for the next one.
There is more pressure on England, after rain in Bridgetown led to a scoreless draw in their opening match against Scotland (and conceding 90 runs in 10 overs without taking a wicket in a cool bowling display). They lose their old rivals and it will leave their Super 8 chances open to being jeopardized by a run count, or worse.
The Scotland game was England’s third out of five, following a rain-affected home series against Pakistan, which clearly hampered their preparations for the campaign after almost six months without playing a T20 together. It doesn’t take much for a team to click like this – and England looked in good form when they took the field against Pakistan – but Buttler will be keen to get things going on Saturday, if only to avoid further questions. referring to the team’s disastrous ODI World Cup defense last year.
Australia, under the captaincy of Mitchell Marsh, would not want to add to England’s precarious position – having helped knock them out of the competition in India on their way to the title. Their head-to-head record is less impressive in T20s, however, with England winning six of their last seven matches, including the 2010 final.
Despite the batting faltering, Australia avoided the worst against Oman earlier in the week, with the experience of David Warner and Marcus Stoinis standing out in difficult batting conditions. The Caribbean scene – not to mention the games played in the USA – already has teams scratching their heads; instead of the “slug-fest” England were prepared for, following a high-scoring trip to the Caribbean in December, it looks like smart boxing may be the way to go.
Speaking of Warner, it could be the last time he faces England in national colors – and another match-winning performance could reduce the chances of them meeting again in the finals. On the other side of the card is Jofra Archer, who is new to the Kensington Oval and ready to face Australia for the first time in any form since 2020. Can Mark Wood ignite England’s campaign, as he did midway through last summer. Ashes? Will Pat Cummins return to torment an old enemy again? Seconds out, it’s almost time to roar.
Australia WWWWL (last five T20Is completed, most recent)
In England WWLWW
Highlights – Glenn Maxwell and Jos Buttler
Since his 120 not out in 55 balls against the West Indies in February, Glenn Maxwell he was running really shockingly. In 14 T20 innings for Australia and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he has scored 115 at 8.21, with five ducks – his last two knocks having taken just one ball. His recent T20I record against England isn’t much better, with five points in one of six figures going back to 2020. But who would bet against him finding his touch soon?
Jos Buttler he led England to their second T20 title in his first senior career after taking over from Eoin Morgan in the summer of 2022, but things have gone downhill since then. Questions grew about England’s leadership – from both Buttler and the coach, Matthew Mott – after their early exit from the 50-over World Cup, and Buttler appeared to grow less vocal about the team’s failure. His recent form has been good, but England need a win.
Team news – Cummins is back, but who stays out?
Cummins is set to return after being sidelined for the Oman match, which saw Mitchell Starc leave the field with cramp. Starc is well understood and could keep his place – Nathan Ellis is likely to miss out. Marsh is not yet ready to bowl, and Australia are likely to continue with the all-rounder combination of Stoinis and Maxwell to provide cover.
Australia (probable XI): 1 David Warner, 2 Travis Head, 3 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Marcus Stoinis, 6 Josh Inglis (wk), 7 Tim David, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Nathan Ellis/Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood
One change that England could consider is the replacement of Reece Topley for Wood, given that there will be a change of pace during the tournament.
In England (probable XI): 1 Phil Salt, 2 Jos Buttler (capt & wk), 3 Will Jacks, 4 Jonny Bairstow, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Liam Livingstone, 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Chris Jordan, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Reece Topley/Mark Wood
The four World Cup matches at Kensington Oval have produced strikingly different batting results: in one extreme, the tie between Oman and Namibia produced a total of 109 all out and 109 for 6; in another, Scotland charge 90 for 0 in 10 overs between showers against England. No team scored more than Australia’s 164 for 5 against Oman, however. The match, a day’s match, will be played at a new venue, which is said to be the best in the arena – although a poor forecast could give the teams something else to talk about.
“A win is a win, it doesn’t get us out anyway. We know we have to win more games than we lose in tournament cricket. Winning puts you in a group which is obviously attractive, but the other two games we sent you in we have to win.”
Win or lose, Jonny Bairstow he embraced that winning feeling
“I think it’s going to be packed and it’s going to be English fans, so it’s going to be like playing at Headingley everywhere, or anywhere in England where you’re blown away. But the atmosphere, the vibe of the game, there’s always a lot riding on it. As a team we always want to challenge ourselves against the best England for a long time in this way, so there will be a lot in the game and we will win.”
Mitchell Marsh prepared for an Ashes-like reception from England’s traveling fans
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