The first of three T20 internationals between England and Australia takes place in Southampton on Friday and we take a look at the squads, recent form and the all important betting.
This behind closed doors 3 match series will be staged entirely in Southampton
Let's start with the squads.
England: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood. Reserves: Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood
Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (vc), Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams,Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc,Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
Recent T20 Form
England's have just completed a 3 match series against Pakistan. All 3 games were also staged at Old Trafford and the series was shared 1-1. After no result was possible in the opening game England chased down a hefty 195 for a 5 wicket win in the second contest but on Tuesday they were set 191 for victory and they came up 5 runs short.
Australia's most recent T20 action came in South Africa in February this year and they won a 3 match series 2-1. Prior to that they were 2-0 winners at home to Pakistan in November 2019.
Head to Head
The most recent meeting between the sides came in Birtmingham in a one off contest in June 2018 and England won it by 28 runs
Overall the teams have met 16 times with England winning 6, Australia have won 9 and there has been 1 no result.
The Betting, 1st T20 Match Result
England 0.73/1
Australia 11/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
The Verdict:
England's bowlers struggled against Pakistan but they do have Jofra Archer and Mark Wood in the squad this time around.
Australia have been preparing in isolation and they have absent from competitive cricket for some time. Although that would be a concern they have some big guns in the squad and they might just be over priced to draw first blood.
Bets: Australia to win at 11/10
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