Great image: both teams come from losses of the series
Would you believe it, not only Australia and England have been attracted to the same group in a global tournament, but their return Champions Trophy returns also begin with each other? Universe (ICC), you have done it again! And yet, in the midst of such a predictable that they accelerate a bit of the shameful emotion. Not even mentioning the word “A”, these are two bitter rivals in unique states. An Australia Shorn champion of some of those champions, and a team from England increasingly desperate for rediscovering the ancient glory.
Not training enough and golf were too much the main conclusions outside a group that actually seems to be in a good mood taking into account that they have now lost the four ODI series since the 2023 World Cup. If expected, of course, since the Negative vibrations do not take place in the house of Brendon McCullum.
In accordance, England’s break with the EAA came with the view of throwing the luggage of a month of travel and defeat in India, with an additional benefit to escape the hysteria of the press in the focus on the incorrect type of white ball . But McCullum’s task requires a more practical and technically focused approach with a group that continues to be uncomfortable with the bat and the ball in this format.
The amount of that McCullum can change in such a short time, has only been in charge of the limited configuration for a month, will be determined in the coming weeks. At this time, it is probably useful to have a family enemy on the horizon to stagger a little additional heart and vigor.
Of which Buttler was lost last year due to a calf injury was the five -game series against Australia at the end of summer at home, which guarantees greater international familiarity among the players, even if many of them have rubbed shoulders as teammates. or opponents at domestic level.
Form guide
(The last five matches completed, the most recent first)
Australia: Llllw
England: Llllw
In The Spotlight: Spencer Johnson and Harry Brook
Team news
Given the absences, Australia’s rhythm attack practically chooses himself. Allrounder Aaron Hardie, the immediate beneficiary of the Retirement of Marcus Stoinis of the 50 format on the eve of the tournament, could sit so that Labuschagne plays as an extra mass. Dwarshius’s left/left arm option can see Pip Abbott to the slot of all bowling.
Australia (Probable): 1 Travis Head, 2 Matthew Short, 3 Steven Smith (Capt), 4 Josh Inglis (WK), 5 Marnus Labuschagne, 6 Alex Carey, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Sean Abbott/Ben Dwarshius, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 , 10, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Spencer Johnson
England announced its XI two days of departure from the game, early for its unusually immediate standards, with Jamie Smith not only returned from an injury to the calf, but also batting in number 3 while he also plays as Wicktkeeper. It is not a nuclear option, but it implies pushing Joe Root at No. 4 and taking the gloves of Phil Salt, which remained in all the hate in India. With only four first -line bowling options, Root and Liam Livingstone must unite forces effectively to provide a fifth useful service. The rhythm of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, who plays his first 50 superiors tournament from his super heroic in the 2019 World Cup final, will present the most marked challenge in Australia.
England: 1 Phil Salt, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Jamie Smith (WK), 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Jos Buttler, 7 Liam Livingstone, 8 Brydon Crse, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Mark Wood
Tone and conditions
The hate launches at the Gaddafi stadium are almost always of the flat Belters. The place was the host of two games in the recent Tri-Series series, with New Zealand publishing 330 for 6 to overcome Pakistan, and then chasing 305 with six wickts and eight leftover balls. It is expected that Lahore will be a bit faster than it was for the Tri series, partly due to the rain this week, which ended up hindering England’s preparations on Thursday. Rocío is rarely a factor at this time of year.
Quotes
“I’m going to make my work cut me with some of the fast bowling that England has. They are of high quality, highly qualified and high rhythm. I have to make sure to start well, win the right, and look where the game takes us .
Australia Vice-Capitán Travis head In the challenge raised by the rapids of England
“He has been in shape and shooting for 18 months or so since he was out of the game for a while. He is really excited to gather that kind of time in the field, and is obviously a superstar of the game for us. He is someone, As captain, you always know that you can turn and throw the ball.
Jofra Archer is ready and weird to go, he says Jos Buttler
Vithushan Ehantharajah is an associated editor in Espncricinfo
