CWC 2019: ENG vs AUS Preview – Lord’s set for clash of familiar foes

What’s a World Cup without upsets? On Friday, England would’ve hoped not to be on the receiving end of another one in front of a packed Headingley crowd. Literally, out of the blue, Sri Lanka handed the tournament hosts a 20-run defeat in the most dramatic fashion and kept the almost predictable World Cup still alive. After all, the rivalry between both teams has always been fierce. Sri Lanka have now beaten the Englishmen on five occasions across World Cups – joint-most for any team. While this is only their second defeat in 6 games, the road to qualification for England isn’t the easiest. Their next 3 matches are against Australia, India and New Zealand – teams they haven’t been able to beat since 1992.

On the other hand, Australia’s World Cup campaign has looked rather confusing. They’ve only lost a solitary game against India, but not all of their 5 wins have been very convincing. 6 matches into the tournament, their playing XI is still unsettled and they continue to tinker with the team combinations. David Warner, despite having an unusual start to the tournament, has finally found his mojo. Mitchell Starc continues to fire with the ball and that’s good news for the Aussies. Though, going up against a hurt English side, they’ll need more than these two to outperform the favourites. Having secured 10 points in 6 matches, another win will send them to the top of the table and almost through to the semifinals.

Match Info

England vs Australia, 32nd Match

Lord’s, London (03:00 PM IST)

Head-to-Head

Australia have a clear edge over their Ashes rivals, leading the head-to-head in World Cups by 5-2. But, we’re in 2019 and neither Australia nor England are the same forces they once were. In fact, the transformation of both teams since the 2015 World Cup has been a complete contrast. New-look England have risen to an exemplary status in ODI cricket, while work-in-progress Australia are still trying to cover their bases. This one should be a humdinger!

Team News

England

The only positive that England could draw from their shock loss against Sri Lanka was Ben Stokes’ return to batting form. His knock of 82 held the team’s chase for the most part and that should boost the team’s confidence. Jason Roy’s absence has definitely dented their top order, but England will have to move on with James Vince. Roy isn’t set to return before June 30, as confirmed by England’s team management. It remains to be seen whether he returns to the fold, at all. With Vince being ineffective at the top, England could consider sending in Jos Buttler to open alongside Jonny Bairstow as a surprise move.

Australia

Despite their slow starts and constant chop and change, Australia’s head coach Justin Langer said that the team has a ‘gameplan’ and has backed the players to come good. Come Tuesday, the defending champions will have to bring out their most aggressive brand of cricket against an increasingly dangerous team. England will be raring to bounce back after a humiliating defeat and the Aussies will have to be one step ahead at all times. Their fiery bowling will be key to neutralise England’s explosive batters. They shouldn’t be making any changes to their playing XI from the last game.

Probable XI

England: J Vince, J Bairstow, J Root, E Morgan (c), B Stokes, J Buttler (wk), M Ali, C Woakes, A Rashid, J Archer, M Wood

Australia: D Warner, A Finch (c), U Khawaja (c), S Smith, G Maxwell, M Stoinis, A Carey (wk), N Coulter-Nile, P Cummins, M Starc, A Zampa

Stat attack

• Joe Root has now scored the most number of World Cup centuries (3) for England
• Jofra Archer (15 wickets so far) has picked up the 2nd most number of wickets for England in World Cups having played 10 or fewer innings
• Glenn Maxwell has the highest strike rate in World Cups (189.16) for Australia among batsmen who have faced over 200 balls
• Mitchell Starc (19.4) has the best strike rate in World Cups for an Australian bowler having played 10 or more innings