After five weeks and 45 matches, the 2019 Cricket World Cup reaches its semi-final stages this week. New Zealand take on India on Tuesday, while defending champions Australia take on hosts England for the second time on Thursday.
In the round robin stages, Australia beat England by a relatively comfortable 64 runs and were only beaten by South Africa and India the whole way. The good news for England is that they managed to beat both of those on their way to the semis (and India, who they will likely meet if they make it to the final). An additional boost to England’s campaign may be found in the fact that South Africa were Australia’s last game before the semis. Perhaps their squad is starting to run out of steam just as the world’s best ODI team are hitting their stride.
Australia vs England Predictions
Both teams rely heavily on their opening batsmen. England’s Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow have the potential to put the match out of anyone else’s reach, as they did against New Zealand and India. However, it’s Australia’s openers, Aaron Finch and David Warner (the tournament’s current high-scorer on 147 runs), who are more consistent. When it comes to bowling, Mitchell Starc is the star of Australia’s campaign so far, though Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are both dangerous. England will be relying on Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood to send the Australian wickets tumbling.
Australia vs England Betting Tips
Head to Head
- Australia have the advantage when it comes to One Day Internationals (and world cups), with some huge wins in their back catalogue. They have two 6-1 drubbings in 2009 and 2010, and of course are defending World Champions.
- That said, the pendulum seems to have swung back England’s way in the last few years, with 4-1 and 5-0 series victories last year. It may be that they have more endurance and tenacity when it comes down to the last few overs.
- The third player in any cricket match is the pitch, and Edgbaston is definitely on England’s side. They’ve won 10 in a row in all competitions at this ground where things can get very rowdy.
Australia Team News
Usman Khawaja’s hamstring gave out during the loss to South Africa, so he’ll take no further part and is replaced by Matthew Wade. Marcus Stoinis, who has had problems with his right side, is now having problems with his left and is a serious doubt for such a high-pressure game. Even Mitchell Starc was spotted rubbing his leg at the end of the last match.
Australia predicted line-up: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jason Beherndorff, Nathan Lyon
England Team News
Jason Roy continues to be monitored closely due to his hamstring not quite being right yet. Otherwise, England seem to be in good shape, with Eoin Morgan practicing in the nets against any left-handed pace bowlers that could be found in order to prepare for the dangerous combination of Starc and Behrendorff.
England predicted line-up: Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood
