CT 2017, Match 10, ENG v AUS: England Predicted XI

The most awaited game for the English and Group A is finally here as England face off against Australia at Edgbaston today. England has already booked their place in the semi-finals with their win against New Zealand and Bangladesh, thereby, becoming the favourites to win the Trophy.

The tournament has been plagued with rain and DLS method. Australians have been the most hit due to rains as they still haven’t been able to complete a full match without rain interruptions. Both their matches have been abandoned due to rains as Steve Smith and his side was forced to share points with Bangladesh and New Zealand.

Which bring us to today, If Australia loses the match, or if the match yet again is washed out, they will be knocked out of the tournament and Bangladesh would progress to the semi-finals. England, on the other hand, would look to spoil the party of their arch-rivals. However, if Aussies win against the English side, Australia would progress to the semi-finals. Keeping in mind these scenarios, let us look at the predicted XI of the England side.

Openers (Alex Hales and Jason Roy)

Alex Hales has been in red-hot form in the tournament as the opener has already scored as many as 151 runs in the two matches played. He followed up his 95 against Bangladesh with yet another half-century when he faced the Kiwi attack. He scored a handy 56 at a brisk rate, stitching a vital partnership with his captain.

It rests assured that Jason Roy would feature in the match today against Australia despite his sluggish form and an in-form Bairstow warming the benches for his side. Jason Roy would dearly want to put a total on the board which would silence his critics for good. Apparently, Roy’s approach is emblematic of the Morgan era.

Middle Order (Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler)

Joe Root batting has been exemplary in the tournament and would be determined yet again to post a decent total against their arch-rivals, thereby, creating a strong statement on the world stage. Following his unbeaten knock against Bangladesh where he finished the job for his side, chasing a mammoth total, Joe Root played a well-crafted inning of almost a run a ball 64, smashing four boundaries and two sixes.

After diminishing all Bangladeshi hopes of coming back into the match with his knock of 75 off just 65 runs, Morgan missed out against the Kiwis and would hope to make amends against the Australians today. His captaincy as well has been splendid throughout the tournament. He brings about a brand of fearlessness into the English side.

England, after being at a dominating position lost their way in the middle with a flurry of wickets just before the final onslaught. But it was Jos Buttler’s innings at the death which made the difference for his side and somehow, England posted a total of above 300 to put a psychological edge over the Kiwis. Buttler holds the X-factor in the celebrated line-up of the home side against the Australians.

All Rounder (Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali)

England has so many options and depth in both the departments of the game that they did not feel the requirement t0 bowl Moeen Ali in the last match. Looking at the pitch of Edgbaston, one might think it would assist the spinners and that’s where Moeen Ali’s skill set would be necessary. Ali services would always be handy if England loses a wicket in a flurry.

Ben Stokes would be kicking himself to miss out on half century to show for after the brilliant knock of 48 against New Zealand. He definitely would steal the show against Australians today as at some point in time. Ben Stokes would be the player to watch out for in the high octane game tomorrow.

Bowlers (Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood, Jake Ball)

Adil Rashid’s role ideally would be to take wickets at regular intervals to keep a check on the run-rate, making a strong statement such that he is always included in the playing XI. Liam Plunkett is doing the bulk of the wicket taking, with eight wickets in two matches. Jake Ball was the one who made an incredible comeback after his performance against Bangladesh. He picked up the wicket of top orders batsmen and gave away only 31 runs in his eight overs. Meanwhile, the death bowling skills of Mark Wood would prove to crucial at the crunch situations of the game.

Jake Ball was the one who made an incredible comeback after his performance against Bangladesh. He picked up the wicket of top orders batsmen and gave away only 31 runs in his eight overs. Meanwhile, the death bowling skills of Mark Wood would prove to crucial at the crunch situations of the game.

It would be exciting to see the contest which also would be previewed for the upcoming Ashes later in the year.