In what is being hyped up as a virtual knockout match already, England and Australia will collide on Friday in Melbourne for this important Group 1 Super 12 round game of the T20 World Cup 2022.
First, speaking about the hosts and one of the firm favorites of the tournament, Australia, who were given a thrashing by New Zealand and lost by 89 runs. They looked in a serious situation when Sri Lankan pacers had them on a leash a couple of days ago before the Marcus Stoinis storm (59 runs off 18 balls) blew them away and pulled a scintillating jailbreak to keep them alive.
England, the other strongly toured contenders for the title, started off their campaign with a 5-wicket win over Afghanistan, but suffered a shock upset to Ireland in a rain-curtailed match by 5 runs after DLS had to intervene. England was made to rue the sluggish performances with the bat by Malan, Stokes, and Brook as Moeen Ali and Livingstone didn’t get to bat much before the rain arrived.
ENG vs AUS pitch report, date, and time
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
ENG vs AUS pitch and weather report
The New Zealand-Afghanistan game at the MCG was washed out. There are two games lined up for Thursday in Melbourne and both stand a chance to be affected by rain. There’s over 80% chance of rain.
In two completed matches so far at MCG, fast bowlers have had a good time, especially those who are able to hit the hard and short lengths to trouble the batters. Batting, once again, is going to be a tough challenge in Melbourne.
Date and Time: October 28, 1.30 PM IST
Telecast: Star Sports Network
ENG vs AUS predicted playing XI
Dawid Malan’s place has come under scanner after his two slow-ish knocks so far; aggressive batter Phil Salt could come in for the left-hander. Chris Jordan and Tymal Mills are alternatives England could ponder upon to improve their death bowling.
England predicted XI:
Jos Buttler (c & wk), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes/Jordan/Mills, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
Australia was saved by Marcus Stoinis. But they might think of getting back Steve Smith in the eleven for top-order struggles; however, apart from skipper Finch, none of the other players in the top 7 seem droppable. Pat Cummins’ form in the death overs is concerning for the hosts, who have Kane Richardson on the bench.
Australia predicted XI:
David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins/Kane Richardson, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood
ENG vs AUS match predicted: England to win the match
We are predicting England to defeat Australia and get back to winning ways. Australia looks a team with more worries – Finch and Cummins’ form plus Warner’s low scores in the last two matches – than England, who were only tactically outplayed by Ireland.
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, knowledge, and instinct of the writer. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
