Honours Even
Last week we saw the T20 series between England and Australia, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Unfortunately, the third and final game in the series was abandoned last weekend due to the weather. However, that shouldn’t be too much of a concern for this match, as the weather looks fair for the first ODI match.
Brook Replaces Butler
When it comes to the team lineups, England are still without captain Jos Butler, so Harry Brook will come in to lead the side. Ben Duckett will come in to open the batting, and Saqib Mahmood has also been called up to be a part of England’s bowling attack. Overall, the Three Lions ODI squad hasn’t changed too much from the T20 series.
Aussies Are Back To Full Strength
Australia, on the other hand, will be bringing in some of their big guns in this ODI series. The likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who have been stalwarts of their bowling department for years, will give them a lot of quality. Moreover, the Green Baggies can also call upon experienced batsmen Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell. Those two will certainly strengthen their top order.
ODI Dominance
When it comes to their recent head-to-head record in ODI cricket, Australia have gotten the better of England in their last five matches against each other. That is reflected in the betting, with Australia 4/7 favourites to win the first match at Trent Bridge. England have put in as the 11/8 outsiders, which doesn’t make any great appeal.
Livingstone Leads The Batting
One of the markets I have been looking at for this match is England’s top run scorer. In the T20 series, the majority of England’s batters failed to make an impact. However, there was one who stuck around and gave the Australians some headaches, Liam Livingstone. The 31-year-old had played well in the T20 matches last week and put together an 87 at Sophia Gardens. He’ll probably feature in the middle-order, but with question marks over some of the others, I think 15/2 represents a little bit of value.
The Pitch Will Favour Pace
Elsewhere, the other market I am looking at is Australia’s top wicket taker. When it comes to the options, it looks like pace will be Australia’s main tactic. The visitors will use Adam Zampa as their spinner, but I thought out of all the bowlers, England played him the best in the T20 series. I just don’t think he’ll have a big impact over the next week or so.
The bowler I like in this market is Mitchell Starc, who is currently 11/4. The 34-year-old has been an excellent servant for Australia over the years, and there aren’t too many quicker left-arm fast bowlers around. Starc has done well on his trips to England over the years, particularly at Trent Bridge. In fact, the last time he played there, he took five wickets against Bangladesh in the Cricket World Cup. It’s a pitch that seems to suit him really well, and I’m expecting him to cause havoc to England’s batting line-up. Ultimately, his pace could win them the game.
England v Australia 1st ODI Shortlist
Liam Livingstone To Be England’s Top Run Scorer (15/2)
Mitchell Starc To Be Australia’s Top Wicket Taker (11/4)
