Cricket news - England vs Australia; 3rd ODI preview
England has really turned the tables on their arch-rivals Australia, after the historic T-20 final victory that gave England their first ever world cup win. The Englishmen have followed up with 2 convincing wins in the first 2 matches of the 5 match ODI series.
If there was anyone who had any doubts about the significance of this 5 match series, he should have seen the look on Australian Captain, Ricky Ponting’s face, after defeat in the 2nd ODI. When asked if England are fast approaching the level of becoming the best in all 3 formats against the Australians (as they have already won the Ashes back), Ponting was pretty much speechless.
Now, if the 3rd match follows the pattern of the first 2, England may well be on their way to completing a memorable series win, which may go a long way towards wiping off the bad memories of a 6-1 drubbing by Australia in September 2009. Ponting tried to stamp their dominance in the game by saying they have won 3 back to back World Cups, and England have not even started to come close to what they have achieved. Indeed, that is a known fact which not to be ignored but at present, England look to be on their way up.
England’s T-20 captain Paul Collingwood came on top of the tree as far as ODI runs for England are concerned. The all rounder uttered the words, which in decades, no one has dared to speak from England. Collingwood said it is not arrogance; in fact they simply are a better side at the moment.
It is hard to disagree with him, England boast a batting line up which has men for every occasion; from the subtle style of Strauss to the fearless approach of Kieswetter at the top, not to forget, Pietersen is simply one of the best batsmen in any form of the game, add to that the gritty Collingwood and off course the wonder boy Eoin Morgan who has this rare ability to finish off almost every match. While their bowling line-up has been on the rise, after dominating the shortest format of the game, they have adapted well to the 50 over version. Swann has developed himself into a very potent off spinner in tests and shorter formats of the game, while Anderson and company have been moving the ball on almost any surface these days.
Looking at their last 5 games, it is surprising to see Australia having lost 3 of their last 5 one day internationals (2 off course in this series), as for England well could it be any better? They have won all 5 of their last one day internationals.
Australia, who had previously, tagged Shaun Tait as a T-20 bowler have finally decided to bring him back in the squad, after two-less-than impressive bowling performances from their attack. Considering the reputation of the Old Trafford pitch which has been known to offer bounce and pace, Tait may be brought straight in the playing 11 in the 3rd game. Tait’s threatening pace and searing yorkers may come handy for Australia as they did in the T-20 world cup.
Luke Wright, the England all rounder who had been trying to find his form for the past 2 years has finally, established himself, and now is coming into his own as an international cricketer. His batting ability was never the problem, but it is his bowling that has come of age in recent times.
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No changes are expected in Australia's top six who have been in good touch; the bowlers though need some shuffling around. Haurtiz has flown home so Steven Smith may become more important now, and Tait is expected to get the nod.
As for England the saying just doesn’t get old, ‘why fix it if it’s not broken’, so yes no changes anticipated in England line-up. The home side will go all out to seal the series, while Australia who looks to be deeply hurt may yet have some new plans to inflict pain on the old enemy.
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