Australia finish their short tour of England on Wednesday evening when they take on their bitter rival in a one-off T20 match at Edgbaston. England have thrashed Australia in the ODI series and will be looking for similar in the 20 over game too.
Australia actually had the edge over England in this format down under in the winter which should give them some belief that they can turn their fortunes around here although containing this England side is never easy.
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England
I think it is fair to say that England have not always taken this format of the game seriously but with this match coming around now and three more 20 over matches to follow against India they have a sustained spell to show their worth. Given that they have Paul Farbrace coaching them though you wonder if they are taking it fully seriously still.
Weirdly, given how dominant their batting has been in the 50 over game, England sometimes struggle for runs in this format of the game and it will be interesting to see if they can put up a decent number here. Whoever they pick with the ball they tend to keep things tight in the field so if they can score big runs there is no reason for them to lose the match.
Australia
I would imagine there will be parts of the Australian squad that just wants to board the flight home but then the combative and competitive element to them will want one last crack at England to see if they can get some joy before they depart. They were walloped 5-0 in the ODI series but they almost won the final game which might give them something to cling on to.
I would suggest that this is the best format of the three for Australia right now. Obviously that is when they are at full strength, which they are clearly not here, but the success of the Big Bash means they have a number of good level players waiting in the wings for their chance and who can take it when it comes along which is never a bad thing.
Team News
England have confirmed that Jos Buttler will open the batting for them so Alex Hales is likely to move down to three which is set to push Jonny Bairstow into the middle order. Chris Jordan is expected to make his first international appearance of the summer.
Tim Paine makes way for Australia with Alex Carey coming in and taking the gloves while Aaron Finch will lead the side. He will hope Glenn Maxwell is fit to feature and there is a chance Mitchell Swepson could also get a game.
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Betting
I’m expecting a high scoring match here too. Edgbaston usually prepares a decent limited overs wicket and England are always well supported here so they will be up for hitting the ball miles. I think this format of the game suits the Australians much better too with their top order knowing they can pin their ears back and let it fly. The runs line here is 339.5 which only needs 170 for each side. That’s around par these days so I’m expecting the over to land.
I also can’t resist the form that Jos Buttler is in right now and given that he’s being shoved up to open the 7/2 on him to top score for England is too big to turn down. His form since the beginning of the IPL has been amazing and he showed just how good he is in the final ODI. He opened for his IPL franchise so being first in is going to cause no problems and I expect him to pick up where he left off in Manchester on Sunday.
Tips
WON – Back Over 339.5 runs for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Karamba
Back it here:
WON – Back J.Buttler Top England Batsman for a 2/10 stake at 4.50 with Ladbrokes
Back him here:
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