An example of a well-worn cricketing cliche is to name every high-stakes England-Australia clash the Ashes. It is irresistible, really—stopping oneself from using the A-word. But it makes the rivalry more marketable. And at a time when both sides are devoid of their usual pomp, such tactics could come in very handy.
Coming into the tournament, Australia lost nearly half of their tentative squad, including their lethal, timeless, three-headed pace attack. Replacements were called in, and Steve Smith was handed the captaincy. But does the side still carry their invincible aura? Not quite. That’s why they would need to begin the tournament on a high note. Because the only thing that can effectively replace the talent and experience they have lost to injuries, retirements, and personal reasons is skyrocketing morale.
England, meanwhile, are free of any non-availability worries. They have all their first-choice players available but their problems stem from their off-colour form. Their last ODI series win dates back to 2023 against Ireland, and since then they have seen plenty of lows, including a whitewash versus India a few weeks ago. Worse still, they have been largely non-challenging in their last two ICC events. What they achieve in this tournament would decide plenty for the team going forward, including the decision whether Jos Buttler remains the captain.
Team Overview:
England have moved Joe Root down the order to accommodate Jamie Smith at No. 3, who returns from his injury and will also keep the wickets instead of Phil Salt. This shuffle has also deepened the batting line, but their real concern, lately, has with the ball. England only have one specialist spinner. This cost them quite a few opportunities against India recently. Joe Root and Liam Livingstone can offer part-time spin. But with England only playing four frontline bowlers, they could be seen doing more than just part-time bowling to complete the remaining ten overs.
Australia do not have any of their regular pacers, so the rookies will step in. Spencer Johnson and Nathan Ellis are certain picks after their exploits in Sri Lanka, as is Adam Zampa unless Australia decide to get another batter at his expense. The biggest selection question lingers around the third pacer. Sean Abbott has played nearly every ODI fixture for Australia following their triumph at the ODI World Cup in 2023. But should they need a less monotonous bowling attack, they have Ben Dwarshius to turn to. Ben has shown brilliance with both bat and ball in the recent BBL edition. But of course, it was a different format in different conditions which can not realistically rival the experience Abbott has.
Both Alex Carey and Josh Inglis are likely to feature in the XI for Australia, with the latter taking the gloves.
Head-to-Head Matches:
Australia have faced England in 161 ODI games and have won a majority of those (91). England, on the other hand, managed to get over the line in 65 games. 5 games ended without either of the two results.
Weather and Pitch Report:
It’s the first Champions Trophy game in Lahore, and the conditions and weather will be notably different from how they were in Karachi. For one, Lahore is still experiencing the last days of winter, and so it will be cooler and thus more suitable for the pacers. The track here, though, is very batting-friendly. Although all Champions Trophy games so far have been high-scoring, regardless of venues, expect this one to be even more so.
Prediction:
Off-colour England or depleted Australia? Australia are more likely to get the points, given they have everything England do, just better.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad, PTV Sport, Ten Sports, Myco App
India: Star Sports Network, Network 18, JioCinema App
UK: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action, Sky Sport App
Australia: PrimeVideo
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ, Sky Sports Now, Sky Go
Afghanistan: ATN
South Africa: SuperSport Network
Bangladesh: Nagorik TV, T Sports, Toffee app
Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV, Sirasa TV
USA: Willow TV
Caribbean: ESPN Caribbean App
MENA: StarzPlay, CricLife Max, CricLife Max 2
