Straight after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign for Australia, they take on the tournament champions, England, in a three-match ODI series as preparations for the 50-over World Cup begin.
Australia will be looking to redeem themselves immediately and will try to replicate the form of their last ODI series against England. In the 2020 tour of England, Australia managed to claim the series 2-1.
Last ODI series between Australia and England:
Game 1: Australia won by 19 runs
Australia – 294/9, England – 275/9
Player of the Match – Josh Hazlewood, 3/26 and 2 catches.
Game 2: England won by 24 runs
England – 231/9, Australia – 207/10
Player of the Match – Jofra Archer, 3/34
Game 3: Australia won by 3 wickets
England – 302/7, Australia – 305/7
Player of the Match – Glenn Maxwell, 108 (90).
Player of the Series – Glenn Maxwell, 186 total runs.
The last series between the two nations in Australia was won 4-1 by England, although in Australia, Australia have won 45 out of 71 games overall.
Both sides have mixed recent results with Australia losing 2-1 to Pakistan and 3-2 to Sri Lanka, although beating Zimbabwe 2-1, and notably, New Zealand 3-0. Most recently, England drew 1-1 with South Africa and lost narrowly 2-1 to India.
Squads
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott (Glenn Maxwell injury replacement), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
England: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, James Vince, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Luke Wood.
Keys to the series
- The impact of Glenn Maxwell's injury
Glenn Maxwell is an integral part of not only Australia's batting line-up but is a well-respected bowler and fielder. As previously noted, in Australia's tour of England, Maxwell performed in the crunch game to win the series.
Smashing his way to 108 off 90 balls, Maxwell would clear the rope on six occasions during the innings. His performance resulted in receiving the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.
Maxwell has been injured, breaking his leg in a freak accident. Sean Abbott is his replacement, with all-rounders Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis being players capable with bat and ball of standing up and filling the void Maxwell has left.
2. Will England's bowlers perform?
England still have a bowling outfit capable of winning this series. Last time these two teams faced off, the bowling line-up consisted of Chris Woakes, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. This time around they do not have the likes of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Tom Curran.
However, they have T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament Sam Curran whose variety of delivery selections will no doubt cause issues for Australian batters.
3 – Captain Pat
Aaron Finch has called time on his one-day career, meaning Pat Cummins will lead the side in this series and moving forward. Cummins made an instant impact when he was made captain of the Test side.
He excelled with bowling the right players at the right times and field settings. His role in the side and his leadership may be the deciding factor in this series.
Series Prediction
Taking all relevant information into account makes this series a difficult one to predict. The home side will definitely be slight favourites despite the last series in England resulting in Australia winning, and the last series in Australia resulting in England winning.
The loss of Glenn Maxwell could prove to be the difference, however under the new captaincy of Pat Cummins he will likely manage the all-rounders effectively.
Prediction: 2-1 Australia.
Fixtures
Game 1 – Thursday November 17: Adelaide Oval, 2:20pm AEDT.
Game 2 – Saturday November 19, SCG, 2:20pm AEDT.
Game 3 – Tuesday November 22, MCG, 2:20pm AEDT.
