After a wretched Ashes series, England have the chance to take down the ODI series on Sunday when they meet Australia in 50 over combat for the third time out of the five times they will do battle in the format.
Wins in Melbourne and Brisbane mean that England can win the series with two matches to spare if they are victorious in Sydney while Australia know they have to win the match if they are going to keep the series alive.
Australia
There is definitely something wrong with this Australia in this format of the game. They have now lost nine of their last completed ODIs and having previously been one of the hardest sides to beat in the game they now seem very easy to beat which will be a concern. A lack of importance placed on some of the matches has been understandable but that has not been the case in this series.
The big reason why Australia are struggling is because they can’t seem to put a complete batting performance together. They either get off to a good start but their middle order does not capitalise on that or they have a bad start which leaves their middle order needing to bail them out. They are at least solid enough with the ball.
England
It is fair to say that England have now put their Ashes debacle behind them but they are playing the format in which they look the most comfortable these days. They have now won their last five completed ODIs and look to be forming a formidable reputation for themselves in the 50 over sphere.
The reason why England are daunting opponents in this format is pretty obvious. It is because they have such a good batting line up which is both deep and powerful and as we saw in the previous match even when you get through the top order the lower order are capable of holding their nerve and getting the job done.
Team News
Australia are set to recall the big guns for this must win match. Josh Hazlewood is yet to feature in the series but that is going to change here while Pat Cummins and Tim Paine are expected to return. It would be a surprise were Adam Zampa not to get a game.
England have no reason to change anything and unless they pick up a last minute injury or illness they should go into the contest with the same line up which won in Brisbane on Friday.
Sydney Cricket Ground
There have been 154 previous ODIs on this ground with Australia having featured in 129 of them. They have won 85 and lost just 38 with six no results. England have won 15 matches here and had a no result along with 16 losses.
The wicket here traditionally takes spin but more recently it has been something of a batting paradise with scores over 300 beginning to come regularly. We’ve seen some good decks here in the Big Bash so I’m expecting to see plenty of runs here.
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Betting
The scoreboard might not show it but England have won these two ODIs so far with plenty in hand. Late wickets on both occasions have added a gloss to the scoreline which has not been deserved as far as Australia are concerned.
I’m not expecting anything to change here. I think England will go on the offense with the bat and once again I’m not convinced Australia will be able to handle them. England battered Australia in the Champions Trophy and their two wins so far have been emphatic. Their third one can be equally as comfortable too. I’m with them for this third game.
Tips
WON – Back England to win 3rd ODI for a 4/10 stake at 2.25 with Betfred
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