AUS vs ENG, 1st ODI, Preview: England will be eyeing to start the series on a high

Albeit the Ashes are done and dusted, the traditional rivalry between Australia and England is a no-brainer. England Team suffered a humiliating loss to the host after the scoreline ending 4-0 in favour of Aussies. However, the 50-over format battle is expected to be far more competitive and closely fought than much hyped underwhelming Ashes. In the past, English bowlers have been able to put the cat among the pigeons, whereas the current form of Jos Buttler and skipper Eoin Morgan can well light up the hope for the visitors

With the baton handed over to Eoin Morgan for the one-day Internationals, the lacklustre Test tour can turn into somewhat crackerjack of a contest in the coloured clothing. On one hand, the hosts will be hoping to continue their dream stint and on the other, the visitors, whose tryst with batting experiment almost blew up in their faces, will be looking to shrug aside their struggles and approach the ODIs like they have been doing from last year and a half.

England’s formidable attack will be missing the likes of Ben Stokes who is yet to receive a green signal from Police Authority of Bristol, England. For Australia, Hazlewood has already been rested for the first ODI after his mesmerising performance in the white jersey. With England’s great ODI record and Australia’s dominated performance at home, cricket fans are all set to witness another firepower series.

Playing Combination

England

After embarrassing loss suffered in the World Cup 2015, England team has rejuvenated and have just lost 15 matches out of 53 they played. Like most nations, they have also been strong at home and suffered few losses while playing against India. However, more or less, they have been able to stay right on top because of their right team combinations. Going into the first one-day International, Alex Hales will once again start the proceedings for England after being suspended for last two one-day Internationals against West Indies. On the other hand, Jason Roy who has been able to time the ball to perfection is expected to be his counterpart.

Joe Root has been declared fit for the selection so undoubtedly he will occupy the number three spot followed by the skipper Eoin Morgan. The bowling duties will be done by Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid and Chris Woakes.

Probable XI: Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett.

Australia

It is unlikely that Australia will tinker with their opening combination as David Warner will be accompanied by the man-in-form Aaron Finch. Steve Smith will certainly bat at number 3, followed by Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh with Marcus Stoinis and Tim Paine occupying lower middle order spots.

The hosts’ bowling unit has been on song thus far in the Ashes series. Having said that, Pat Cummins whose batting skills came as a boon for Aussies needs to do more with the ball. While Mitchell Starc has done a good job for their side by providing wickets at the right time. With Hazlewood being rested for first one-day International, we can see Jhye Richardson making his debut.

Probable XI: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Tim Paine (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson, Adam Zampa.

Focus will be on

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler definitely has a task on his shoulders going into the first one-day International. He has been in serious form this season, having scored 200 plus runs in the ongoing Big Bash League. His prime form will not only help him to stay in confidence but will also act as a hope for English Team. Buttler will be eyeing to make it a big one and start the series on a high.

Cameron White

With 285 runs in six matches, he played for Melbourne Renegades, Cameron White finally gets a national call from selectors after three long years. Interestingly, he last played in 2015 for Australia and that too against England. He has worked regressively with the full fortitude to get this call and will be eyeing to add more runs after his name to keep up the faith shown by the Australian national selectors.

Stat Attack

3- Cameron White will return to the yellow jersey after three long years.

17.46- Despite having a career average of over 50, Joe Root has a humiliating record against Aussies having an average of 17.46 in 13 matches.

Keep following CricTracker for more analysis and news updates.