Champions Trophy: Defending Champions Australia look for a good start
Date – 8th June 2013
Time – 10.30 a.m (Local)
Jonathan Trott and Joe Root have been the salvaging batsmen for England against New Zealand. As the wicket is expected to aid batsmen, the duo will have a key role to play for England.
After their emphatic win against New Zealand in the third ODI, England are once again on the rise. Steve Finn and Stuart Broad, who have recovered from their injuries, bowled extremely well in the third ODI and rattled New Zealand’s top order. Therefore, they will be expected to deliver the goods for England against Australia. Australia, however, would have hoped for a better batting performance against India in the warm-up match as they were folded for 65. So, Australia batsmen have to come out with effective strategy on a double paced wicket.
Apart from the ODI series loss, England have been invincible at home. They have perfect squad for the conditions. They have two high-quality fast bowlers who can exploit the swinging conditions and also have two quality batsmen at the top of the order to tackle the swing. At the right moment, Joe Root and Chris Woakes are getting into the groove which is a good sign for England. Although Joe Root’s form has been patchy in the ODI series against New Zealand, he was involved in crucial partnerships with Jonathan Trott in the first and second ODI which virtually sealed the game for England. So, Joe Root and Chris Woakes will be holding the key for England in the middle order.
The match is scheduled at Birmingham. The wicket at Birmingham is expected to aid batsmen as India chased 333 successfully against Sri Lanka in the warm-up match. However, the same wicket will not be worn for this match as that wicket didn’t help the bowlers. England have quality batsmen – Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott who can exploit these types of conditions. But Australia have fabulous pace-attack and therefore it will be interesting to see the plans of Alastair Cook on handling the Aussie pace-attack.
Australia, on the other hand, have been outplayed in the warm-up match against India. Australia batsmen didn’t fancy the pace and bounce of the wicket and therefore England would be looking to exploit that weak point of Australia. They, however, have incredible fast bowlers that can trouble the English batsmen. Mitchell Starc, though, was expensive in the warm-up match against India, will hold the key for Australia with the new-ball. McKay has been in remarkable form with the ball and Australia captain Bailey would be hoping for McKay to replicate the same against England. If Australia batsmen can deliver, then without a doubt Australia will come victorious.
Pitch and Conditions
The wicket at Birmingham is expected to aid batsmen. Therefore, toss won’t play a critical role in this match.
Team news
England are likely to go with the same team that played against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Australia, on the other hand, have a few injury concerns as captain Clarke has been ruled out of the match against England. So, Bailey is expected to lead the side.
Watch out for:
Ian Bell was in sublime form in last couple of ODIs. England will be hoping that Ian Bell can replicate his form against Australia.Watch out for:
Ian Bell – Ian Bell has been in remarkable form for England. He has had an outstanding ODI series against New Zealand. He played an important role in England’s victory in the third ODI at Trent Bridge as he scored a fabulous 82. As the wicket is expected to aid batsmen, Ian Bell has great opportunity to play a big innings.
Mitchell Starc – Mitchell Starc has been the leader of the pace-attack but he was taken for runs without difficulty by the Indian team in the warm-up match. However, he will be the key man for Australia with the new-ball as he has the ability to generate extra pace and bounce. It will be interesting to see the tactics of Starc on a flat surface. So, if he strikes with the new-ball, then Australia would certainly have their noses ahead.
Quotes
“Michael is making steady progress in his recovery from the recent lower back injury but is yet to return to training. He will remain in London over the coming days to continue his rehabilitation and will not be available for the first match against England on Saturday. How he responds to the ongoing treatment will determine his availability for the match against New Zealand next Wednesday.” Alex Kountouris, the team physio, said on Friday morning.
“We want to go to Edgbaston and hope it’s a dull game. We could do with one of them. But they’re tough opposition, they’ll be well prepared and we’ve got to make sure we are as well. If Clarke is missing it’s annoying for him and Australia but it would be good for us.” Coach Giles said on Clarke’s absence.