It’s time for the oldest cricket rivalry to take centre stage once again as England play Australia in a three-match T20I series starting on 4 September. England is coming back on the back of a drawn T20I series against Pakistan and will eager to clinch the series against their old foes Australia.
Some of their big boys like Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer are back in the squad that will make a huge impact for them in the series.
On the other hand, the Aussies return to cricket after 7 long months and will be looking to beat England at their home. On paper, the Aussies look formidable as they have picked all their gun players in the T20 squad for the big series.
They will be led by Aaron Finch who is currently third in the ICC T20I Rankings for batsmen in the world. Two old nemeses of England, Steve Smith and David Warner too will feature in the squad. Their pace battery also looks lethal as it will be led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
Match Timing and Venue
All the matches of the T20I series will take place at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The match will begin at 10:30 PM IST.
Pitch Report
The match is likely to take place on a high scoring surface as batsmen of both teams will be looking to clear boundaries several times.
Weather Forecast
The weather at Southampton on September 4 is expected to stay overcast with a chance of showers during the first T2OI. Considering that captains who win the toss might look to chase with the possibility of a reduced target.
Australia vs England 2020: 1st T20I – Fantasy Tips
It is important to pick a balanced side as it will make your team stronger. Now that you can fix your team even after the toss, it makes your job easier.
As far as England are concerned there batting are extremely dynamic and the likes of skipper Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler and inform Tom Banton are a must in your playing XI. In the bowling section, the inclusion of Jofra Archer will surely make your squad stronger.
Whereas, from the Aussie side their top 3 consisting of captain Aaron Finch, David Warner and Steve Smith will be a real asset in your team. Glenn Maxwell should also be part of your side as he saves his best for T20 cricket. In the bowling, Mitchell Starc and spinner Adam Zampa are genuine wicket-takers that should feature in your squad.
Predicted Playing XI
England: Jos Buttler (WK), Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Eoin Morgan (C), Sam Billings, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan and Mark Wood.
Australia: Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson.
Fantasy XI Tips
Captain: David Warner, Jos Buttler
Vice-captain: Tom Banton, Johnny Bairstow
Wicket-keeper(s) – Jonny Bairstow
Batsmen – David Warner (C), Eoin Morgan, Aaron Finch, Tom Banton (VC)
All-Rounder(s) – Glenn Maxwell, Moeen Ali
Bowlers – Adil Rashid, Mitchell Starc, Jofra Archer, Adam Zampa
Match Prediction
It’s the battle of the heavyweights and any side on their day can win the first T20I. However, with England already playing two series before facing Australia, they are favourites to clinch the match. But don’t count the Australians as they have time and time again showed their class against England away from home.