ENG vs AUS: 4th ODI, Preview- Psychologically wounded Australia’s journey to evade ‘speculated’ clean sweep

More than England, it will be interesting to find out the visiting team’s approach in the technical dead-rubber.

Published - 20 Jun 2018, 21:32 IST | Updated - 20 Jun 2018, 21:32 IST

2 Min Read

Australian cricket’s heart was ripped apart back in March owing to the ball-tampering fiasco. Their recent loss versus England at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham was nothing, but rubbing salt in their wounds. The team missed out on some key stars owing to various reasons, some unwanted as well. Tim Paine’s maiden limited-overs assignment was never going to be a cakewalk.

Moreover, they had the number one ranked team- England- who have been on a rampage for the last three years in the 50-over format, as their opponent. The present status of 3-0 in favour of England doesn’t spring a surprise. Parking aside their cricketing know-how, there was a stark contrast to the mental state of the hosts than that of their arch-rivals, prior to the start of the series.

The same was palpable on the cricket pitch as well. The fourth ODI will be played tomorrow in Chester-le-Street and the Aussies are now in with a ‘daunting’ task of saving themselves from the disgrace of a whitewash. On the contrary, Eoin Morgan and his men will be keen to continue their rich vein of form. More than England, it will be interesting to find out the visiting team’s approach in the technical dead-rubber.

Team Combination

England

After their series triumph, England will want to make a few changes to their squad. Their batting lineup is expected to be the same. Jason Roy and Johnny Bairstow have been in red-hot form followed by Alex Hales, who unfolded mayhem along with the openers. Joe Root and Eoin Morgan are the stalwarts in the middle-order. Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali’s power-hitting prowess will also be important.

In the bowling setup, Tom Curran and Jake Ball may replace Liam Plunkett and Mark Wood. David Willey’s all-rounder abilities will ensure that he stays in the mix. The spinners in Adil Rashid and Moeen have been outstanding and the visitors haven’t found it easy to decipher their guile. Both will be looking forward to replicating their form.

Predicted XI

Jason Roy, Johnny Bairstow, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, David Willey, Jake Ball, Adil Rashid, Tom Curran

Australia

The visitors have nothing, but pride to play for and in that quest, they might make a couple of alterations. D’Arcy Shot hasn’t done anything memorable of sorts and Alex Carey seems likely to find a place in the eleven. Shaun Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are the middle-order batters. Tim Paine’s role will be to keep the unit charged up in the crisis situation. Glenn Maxwell will also want to score big as well.

In the bowling department, Kane Richardson is likely to get a go in place of Andrew Tye, who was expensive last time around. Billy Stanlake and Jhye Richardson are the other fast bowlers. Ashton Agar is the lone specialist spinner along with the part-time off-breaks of Maxwell. Stoinis also need to step up with the leather.

Predicted XI

Travis Head, Alex Carey, Shaun Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Finch, Tim Paine (c & wk), Glenn Maxwell, Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake

Players to watch out for

Joe Root- England

Root scored a fifty in the first match but hasn’t had much to do in the last two encounters. In Nottingham, he was pushed down the order for the big hitters to come in and carry on the good work by the top order. In a lineup, powered with big-hitters, His role will be vital provided his team loses a few early wickets and is pushed on the backfoot.

Tim Paine- Australia

Paine’s role as the skipper has got tougher with the progression of the series. More than cricket, the wicketkeeper-batsman now has the task to rejuvenate the troop and not letting their heads go down. His own performance with the willow has been no short of pathetic and the Tasmanian will be hoping to lead the team from the front.