England vs Australia 2020, 2nd ODI: Preview, Live Streaming, Timings, Predicted XI, Stats, Pitch Report & more

The 2nd ODI of the three-match series between England and Australia will be played on Sunday, 13th September. Old Trafford, Manchester will be hosting the do or die encounter for the home team. The first game was more intense than the scoreboard suggests and Sam Billings’ efforts to try and take his team over the line outshone everyone else. However, the visitors had already grabbed the upper hand in the first 15 overs and clinched the game in the last over by 19 runs.

The Three Lions will be coming into the game with the pressure of saving the series. The hosts’ batting line-up looked quite vulnerable as the Australian pace battery bowled classic swing bowling with the new ball. The experienced campaigners Jason Roy, Joe Root and Jos Buttler didn’t perform as per the expectations and would like to change that. The focus for the Brits will be play attacking cricket in the first 15 overs and do not allow the Australian bowlers to find their rhythm.

Australia, on the other hand, has the momentum with them. After winning the 3rd T20I at Southampton, they won the important first game against England. The form of the openers will be a matter of concern for the Australian side but Steve Smith‘s return should give more confidence to the batting line-up. Mitchell Marsh, the new wonder boy of the team, has shown a lot of promise and he is one of the most important players to watch out.

While the lower order is a matter of concern for both the Ashes rivals, the inclusion of Marsh and the presence of Carey is a big boost for the Australian side. England is missing the services of Ben Stokes as a finisher but Billings’ innings showed a lot of promise for them.

Captain Eoin Morgan’s words about Billings after the series opener showed the importance of his knock. “Sam’s opportunity has been limited and sporadic, but coming and getting a score today is outstanding. Showed a lot of resilience. Batting at 5 and 6 is an area that we need to improve,” he said

Pitch and Conditions

No team has won a single game at Old Trafford while chasing, in the last two years. The weather forecast doesn’t indicate any chance of rain. The pitch is expected to assist the pacers as it has in past and the team winning the toss might look to bat first, considering the past record of the ground. Spinners will also come into the game after the first few overs of the innings.

Team Combinations

Australia

The touring party has received another good news after winning the first clash. Their star batsman, Steve Smith has passed the second concussion test and will be available for selection. With his comeback, Marnus Labuschagne or Marcus Stoinis will have to make way for him. Rest of the team is expected to stay unchanged.

Predicted XI- David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschange/Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

England

The home side is expected to remain unchanged even after losing the first excursion. The pressure will be on Jason Roy and Joe Root to perform as per expectations with Tom Banton waiting in the wings for his chance. Sam Billings would like to continue his exceptional form as somebody from the middle order has to make way for Ben Stokes in the next series.

Predicted XI- Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Billings, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid.

Stat Attack

102 – Aaron Finch (4898) needs 102 runs to reach 5000-run mark in ODIs.

27.95 – Joe Root’s batting average in ODIs vs Australia. He scored 615 runs in 26 ODIs vs Australia with help of 5 fifties.

Head to Head

Matches Played- 150 | Australia Won- 63 | England Won- 82 | Tie/NR/Abandoned- 5

Broadcast Details

Match Timings- 5:30 PM (IST), 1:00 PM (Local).

TV– Sony Six, Sony Six HD

Live Streaming– The match can be streamed online on Sony Liv and Airtel stream.