England beat Australia by 6 wickets in the second T20I in Southampton to go 2-up and win the series in the process. The third and final game of the series will be played at the same venue on Tuesday, September 8.
The big news ahead of the final game is that England wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler will miss the game as he left the bio-secure bubble after England’s victory in the second game. He will now rejoin the squad for the ODI series. Meanwhile, there is no clarity over Eoin Morgan’s chances of playing the game as well. Morgan injured his finger and had to leave the field. He came back to bat scoring six runs of seven balls to take England to victory.
Meanwhile, Buttler’s absence will give a chance to KKR foreign recruit Tom Banton to open the innings. The right-hander has just scored 10 runs in the first two games and will look to make use of the opportunity. The rest of the England squad looks good and there is no change expected among the other personnel.
Also Read: Jos Buttler To Miss The 3rd T20I Against Australia
Australia, on the other hand, would like to win the game and head onto the ODI series on a winning note. Their key batsmen David Warner and Steve Smith has looked out of touch. Their early dismissals in both the games has exposed the weak middle-order which has failed to fire. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis would look to get their act together and help Australia finish on a high.
With the pitch offering considerable turn in the second game, they might be tempted to go in with three spinners. This might see Kane Richardson lose his place to Nathan Lyon.
Date and Venue: England vs Australia, 3rd T20I in Ageas Bowl, Southampton starting from September 8th (Tuesday) at 10.30 PM IST
Weather and Pitch Conditions
The pitch is expected to assist the spinners in this game, as it did in the second game. Both teams would be tempted to play an extra spinning option in place of a fast bowler. The pitch is expected to be dry as well. However, there is a chance that rain might play a spoilsport in the contest. However, cricket fans would like to see a competitive game of cricket and all 40 overs being completed.
England vs Australia 3rd T20I – Match Prediction
England will fancy their chances of completing a clean sweep over Australia and get to the top of the points table. They will edge Australia to the top spot only if they complete a clean-sweep. Aussies too have a lot to play for as they would dearly love a win here and cling on to the top spot for some more time.
Among both the teams, England look the favourites to win the game, given their form in the last two games. However, you can never count out Australia in do-or-die matches. Therefore an exciting contest is on the cards.
