Australia is getting ready to face the hosts England in a must-win game at Edgbaston, this Saturday. A win here will take Australia into the semis regardless of the result of Bangladesh against New Zealand game. A loss would mean Australia getting knocked out of the tournament and the winner of New Zealand and Bangladesh making it into the semis as the 2nd team along with England.
Australia is the only team to beat this “New England” side in an ODI series in England since the 2015 World Cup. There is a high chance of rain washing out this game and that is the last thing Australia would want. They would be hoping for a 20 over match at least so that they can pull off a win. With two Quality teams facing each other, we can expect a cracker of a match, IF rain permits of course.
Here are 5 things Australia needs to do to win the must win match versus England.
- Starc to Shine:-
Mitchell Starc is undoubtedly one of the best fast bowlers going around, if not the best. His record speaks for itself. Especially, in this format of the game, he is the quickest ever to 100 wickets and his average & Strike Rate are amongst the best ever in ODI history. He is someone who can get wickets with the new ball, middle phase of innings and bowl at the death as well. Australia will want him to be at his absolute best against England.
- Use Zampa more efficiently:-
Steve Smith gave the ball to his leggie Zampa as late as the 35th over in the match against Bangladesh. Though that didn’t cost Australia anything, he needs to trust him a little more. This English side bats so well in middle overs and gets a lot of runs between 11-40 overs. Zampa has to play a big role in restricting them from going big in middle overs by picking up wickets. And for that to happen, his skipper needs to trust him more and give him the ball a lot earlier.
- Warner & Finch to give them a good start:-
David Warner & Aaron Finch have had a pretty poor Champions Trophy so far. Finch showed a lot of promise in practice games but failed in the big games on both occasions. David Warner has always been poor in England, but he had a good little innings against Bangladesh before rain spoiled the party and he would love to continue from that knock. It is important for Australia that these 2 get them off to a good start and lay a good platform for the middle order.
- Glenn Maxwell to play a stunner:-
Glenn Maxwell is the X-Factor of this Australian side. The Australian middle order is slightly weak with guys like Moises Henriques, Travis Head who are yet to find their feet in international cricket. So, Maxwell has to take responsibility and play according to the situation. Be it a typical Maxwell 30 ball 60 or a run-a-ball 50 according to the situation. He is the senior member of this middle order and he needs to be aware of that.
- Get Joe Root out early:-
The balance Joe Root brings to this English side is amazing. In between the dashers like Roy, Morgan, and Stokes; this guy quietly does his job and scores a run-a-ball 50 almost every time. His strike rotation is beyond amazing. He never lets the run rate go down. If Aussies can get Root early, they can trigger a collapse in the middle order. Joe Root holds the key to this English line-up and Aussies should not allow him to settle.