The first match of the three-match series between England and Australia exactly as everyone expected. The home side held nerves to change the course of the game and go 1-0 up in the series. Australia will be eyeing to make a comeback and level terms as they lock horns with the home side in the second game at the Ageas Bowl on September 6 (Sunday).
Despite the win, England will be aiming to settle their middle-order as Eoin Morgan they are looking forward to the T20 World Cup next year. The absence of Ben Stokes has cost them badly with Moeen Ali failing to contribute consistently. Regular opener Tom Banton had to shift to the middle-order to accommodate Jos Buttler at the top. The Kolkata Knight Riders recruit is likely to continue as he looks to settle himself in the new position.
Speaking about Australia, the spotlight will be on their middle-order, who failed to close in on a close game after a blistering start from the top-order. The focus will be on Marcus Stoinis and Alex Carey, who have failed to deliver despite a long run. The management might hand Marnus Labuschagne his maiden cap to bring stability in the middle-order.
Date and Venue: England vs Australia, 1st T20 in Ageas Bowl, Southampton starting from September 6th (Sunday) at 6:45 PM IST
Weather and Pitch Conditions
The pitch is likely to be drier on Sunday which could even up the balance between bat and ball still further.
On the other hand, the rain has had a major impact on the England summer playing a spoilsport in every game. However, we saw full 40-overs of action in the last match and is likely to be the same. The weather is, so far, playing ball for this series and it’s set to be a sunny afternoon on the south coast.
England vs Australia 2nd T20I – Match Prediction
England pulled off an emphatic victory in the last game in the dying moments. They will be high on confidence going into the second encounter. However, Australia is a champion side and the statistics also speak in their favour.
When under pressure, they have delivered their best cricket and is something one can witness on Sunday. As a result, the Aaron Finch-led side has a good chance of levelling terms in the series ahead of the third tie.
