Australia look to continue to dominate
Visitors Australia kicked off the ODI series against England with a convincing seven-wicket win, with Travis Head continuing his all-format domination as the Australian batters eased home in a big run chase.
Ahead of the second ODI, here’s our match preview and predictions.
The hosts got off to a strong start, with Ben Duckett anchoring the innings while Will JAcks, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith and Jacob Bethell, all got starts. England were cruising at 232-3 in the 35th over but Marnus Labuschange and Adam Zampa’s twin-strikes brought Australia back into the game as they bowled out the hosts for 315. Both Duckett and Jacks though will feel that they should’ve carried on to make a big score after being set in.
Apart from Mitchell Marsh’s early dismissal, Australia looked in control of the chase throughout the innings as Travis Head was at his destructive best. Steve Smith was looking ominous before falling to a soft dismissal while Cameron Green, promoted to no.4, got a quick 30 before Marnus Labuschange joined Head to see the visitors home, waltzing to a comfortable seven-wicket win, in a run chase of 315. Head’s 154* had the perfect tempo, scoring briskly and taking little-to-no risk.
On the bowling front, both teams went for a lot but the Australian spinners, especially, their part-timers are the ones who played the key role. Australia have one frontline spinner in Adam Zampa, and while Zampa was at his usual best, he was ably supported by Matthew Short, Marnus Labuschange and Travis Head, all of whom chipped in with crucial wickets and put the screws on the English innings.
The Headingley Cricket Ground isn’t the most high-scoring grounds and there should be plenty of assistance for the bowlers. Australia have Mitchell Starc in the wings and Glenn Maxwell with his off-spin will be more than handy as well. While there is plenty of talent in the English camp, the Australians are just a touch strong, expect a close encounter with Australia coming out on top.
Travis Head, Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook Marnus Labuschange, Steve Smith, Liam Livingstone, Mitchell Starc, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Hazlewood
Venue: Leeds
Winners Prediction: Australia
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