Australia vs England 2nd ODI Preview & Tips
What a start we have had to the Gillette ODI series! England proved that they are a different monster in this format and their latest aggressive brash style of play will take some beating. Australia, on the other hand, know that for the first time this summer, they have a challenge.
The second match of the series is scheduled to played in Brisbane on Friday, January 19th and we will have our answers on which team carries the momentum.
Australia – can they rise to the challenge?
Australia’s ODI specialists came to the fore in Melbourne, leading their charge with distinction. Aaron Finch got his century (107 from 119 balls) in exemplary fashion and held the innings like a glue so that others can play around him. In the latter stages of the innings, it was Marcus Stoinis (60 from 40 balls) who pushed the score beyond 300.
With the ball, the hosts couldn’t control the pyrotechnics of Jason Roy (180 from 151 balls, 16X4, 5X6) who ran away with the game. Smith tried everything he could, but Roy and Joe Root (91 not out from 110 balls) had answers for all. Mitchell Starc (2/71) and Pat Cummins (2/63) led the charge, but it was too little too less.
England – a chance to increase their domination
England’s charge may have been ably led by Roy, but it was Mark Wood who led the initial exchanges. Thanks to his aggression, the Aussies started on the back foot and remained there for a major part of their innings.
The only time they looked in trouble was when Stoinis started hitting the bowlers out of the park, but Adil Rashid (2/73) and Liam Plunkett (3/71) made sure that the score isn’t too high to chase.
Stats
Australia have a decent record at the Brisbane winning 23 of the 41 matches played here, with 14 losses. Against England, the record reads six wins out of seven!
Key players
It’s not often that you see Smith get a failure, but the Aussie captain couldn’t get it right in the first match. His past record against the English isn’t great either, with the host captain boasting of only one century in 12 matches with an average of 36.33.
England will look to their Test Captain Root to continue his calming influence in the top-order. With the array of hitters, the side has, it is important that Root can get things going at a perfect pace.
Picks
Can England continue their ODI domination? Back the visitors to keep winning at odds of $2.30 (bet365).
England should also be able to score more number of sixes than their counterparts. Back England to score more sixes at odds of $2.25 (William Hill).
TIP: England to hit more sixes – $2.25 at William Hill
TIP: Smith to score 50 – $2.20 at Ladbrokes
* Tips are author’s opinion and provided for informational purposes only. Please gamble responsibily.
