12 Jun 2019
Rain has been the Aussie’s biggest enemy in this year’s tournament, with both games against Bangladesh and New Zealand suffering from a washout. It means nothing other than a win will do for Steve Smith’s side at Edgbaston if they are to progress to the semi-finals.
In comparison, England’s fearless approach has been rewarded, securing two comfortable victories over Bangladesh and New Zealand. Eoin Morgan’s side have already progressed to the semi-finals but they’ll be determined to land the first blow ahead of the Ashes later this year.
Aussies off to a flyer
Australia’s explosive opening pairing of Aaron Finch and David Warner are both capable of changing the course of a game with their six-hitting prowess. Despite not reaching the heights we’re used to in this year’s tournament, they’ve outscored the English opening partnership of Alex Hales and out-of-form Jason Roy on two occasions already.
A few wickets could tumble in the early overs on Saturday as the England batsman struggle to handle a devastating Australian attack which includes genuine pacers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. Australia are 17/20 to have the highest opening partnership at Edgbaston and 10/11 to outscore England in the first 15 overs.
Root and Buttler to shine
With a century and a half-century in first two matches, England’s new Test captain Joe Root has had a sensational start to this year’s tournament. A two-touch player, Root breaks the mould of the modern one-day cricketer with his non-reliance on big-hitting. He’s been England’s top run scorer over the first two games and he’s 11/4 to be England’s top batsmen on Saturday.
The value bet looks to be with England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler. A specialist in the one-day format of the game, Buttler is quickly becoming one of the world’s best finishers of an innings. His late onslaught against New Zealand pushed England over the 300-run mark and he’s 7/1 to be England’s top scorer.
Up and Over for Australia
The experience of Australia’s big game-players means they’re more than capable of winning the competition, even from this precarious position. Warner, Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith all possess Indian Premier League pedigree and they should come to the fore when the team most need them.
The firepower in their batting ranks makes the Australians a formidable outfit and they’re 6/5 to hit more sixes this Saturday, while England are evens to clear the rope on more occasions.
