It’s a do or die match for Australia. The weather has played a huge role in two wash-out matches they have played; leaving them with just two points.
This game is a knockout, Australia has to win to reach the semis. If the rain spoils the game, then Bangladesh head to semi-finals.
Hussey, though, concluded that Australia should think about the game for time being keeping behind all concerns about the weather.
“There are some interesting sub-plots that may or may not affect the outcome of this match. Firstly, the weather. It seems crazy that a team can be knocked out or progress through to the semi-finals without even finishing a match, but both scenarios are still possible at this stage from an Australian point of view.” he said.
He then voiced that England is his favourite for the clash.
“From an English perspective, I feel they come into the match as favourites. They have won both their matches, playing some excellent cricket with their confidence high. They are also playing at home where they know the conditions so well. Sometimes there is an extra pressure and expectation on the host nation to win, but I feel that this won’t affect England due to the calm nature of the leaders in the group,” he added.
Morgan and Trevor Bayliss have both caught the eye of Hussey with their cool and calm approach to the game. Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler have already played significant knocks in the tournament. With the ball, Liam Plunkett has been among the wickets and Jake Ball has bounced back well against New Zealand after a tough game against Bangladesh.
Hussey feels Stokes might pose a danger to the side.
“Ben Stokes is also a danger man for Australia with his all-round ability. His bowling has improved but his batting and, in particular, his power is what worries me the most. If he gets going at the end of the innings, he can be a very hard man to bowl to,” he said.
This is going to be a hell of a match and England won’t keep it low as they would look to play with momentum but according to the veteran the side led by Smith should not try much hard but play their natural game.
“For Australia, it is important to be desperate but to not try too hard to force the result. Sometimes the harder you try, the worse you play.
I feel the Aussies need to be calm and clear and look to execute their skills and plans better and for longer than England and let the result take care of itself. It is also important to look down and not up with regards to the weather. They must keep their focus on what they can control and the weather is something they can’t.”