Champions Trophy: Match 3, Group A - 5 reasons why England will win against arch-rivals Australia

It is a curious case with England-Australia fixtures. They always have the Ashes on their mind. The Champions Trophy Group A opener will also have an Ashes-prequel air to it though it is necessary to point out to the overtly enthusiastic in both the countries, that the limited overs version of the game is a far cry from the Ashes. England have been keeping a close eye on the Australian team and their continuing slump in international cricket. They seem to derive a particular joy out of it, knowing that they will have the unique opportunity of winning the Ashes for the third consecutive time in home-conditions. Enough about the Ashes though.

However slandered the competition be, we must remember we are at the Champions Trophy and one that has begun rather promisingly. After a brilliant opener that saw India show their batting prowess, Pakistan and West Indies served a low scoring but thrilling game that shifted focus to express fast bowling. Group A is no less tight in contest with all 4 teams in the hunt for the two semifinal spots and a head start will be critical. England head into this game with the preparation of a competitive series with New Zealand and though they were defeated 2-1 due to the heroics of Martin Guptill, they will enter this game as favourites. Here are 5 reasons why I think England will come out victorious against the two-time defending champions Australia.

1. Australia no more

In an interview ahead of their warm-up game against India, Shane Watson told Harsha Bhogle that the Australians “know” how to win the Champions Trophy and in spite of the personnel they came with, they were “still Australia.” A statement of purpose and intent indeed. But what followed that day was a dismal performance that saw the batting line-up bundle out for 65 runs. Given the fact that Australia might turn up against England without captain Michael Clarke, it must be admitted that this is not the same Australian side that is used to winning trophies. They need to develop a habit of winning now and it’s no more in their DNA as Shane Watson seemed to imply.

The bowling line-up is of immense quality still spearheaded by Mitchell Starc. Clint McKay was impressive against India and Mitchell Johnson‘s performance will depend on the conditions and his ability to be able to extract swing. This is the potent part of their line-up but the absence of any quality spin with Xavier Doherty still failing to make the first XI dents their prospects. Add to that the lack of an anchor in the Australian batting line-up. Michael Clarke would usually provide that stability, doubling the explosive threat that Warner and Watson possess, but without his consistency, this team looks thin on batting.