AUS vs ENG, 3rd ODI, Preview: Australia's last chance to keep the series alive

The ongoing One-Day International series between Australia and England has gone exactly the opposite the way the Test series fared. It was all about the dominance of the home side in whites when they piled on the runs and took wickets for fun. In coloured clothing though, the visitors have turned the tables on their arch-rivals. They play their ODI cricket fearlessly which has been visible in the last couple of matches. They would love to seal the series on the Super Sunday when the two teams meet again in Sydney at the SCG.

Steve Smith led side has struggled in the limited overs format off late. They were crashed out of the Champions Trophy without registering a single victory last year and then lost the ODI series on their tour to India by 4-1. The problems compound for them when the stats for the last 10 matches come forward. They’ve managed to win only a solitary match in last 10 outings which is the worst span in Australia’s ODI history. Very seldom it happens that a team like Australia is playing to save the series that too in their own den.

England, in complete contrast, is looking quite settled side playing with freedom. They’ve turned around their fortunes dramatically on the tour after a dismal Test series. Though there have been changes in personnel with the selectors preferring to pick different teams across formats nowadays. Eoin Morgan, the skipper, would be happy with the great form his team is in and they would want to seal the deal at the SCG itself and then eye for a rare whitewash of Aussies at home which is fare distance away currently.

Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) traditionally favours spin and the pitch is expected to behave in the same way on the match day. The wicket has been the slower side and has assisted spinners in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) as well. Having said that, the highest total chased down on this ground is 334 which was gunned down by the home side against the same opposition whom they will play on Sunday.

Moreover, England last won at SCG in 2007 which might make them feel uncomfortable when they will come out in search of a series win. Australia, on the other hand, have won all their last 4 ODI meetings against England at this venue.

What they said?

Mitchell Starc was confident of featuring in all the three remaining ODIs of the series also indicating that injury is not the major concern for him right now. “I’m alright. Still three more ODIs to go and I’m planning to be available for all three,” he said ahead of the third ODI.

Joe Root was enjoying the change of fortunes for him in the limited formats after a tough Test series. He was happy that he was able to finish both the matches. “Yeah it’s obviously nice, it’s a lot nicer than the other way around. It’s very pleasing to be part of that, but ultimately as a side we’re playing some great cricket.

Playing Combination

Australia

Australia will be bolstered by the return of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins for the must-win encounter. This means that the deadly bowling attack which tormented England in the Ashes. Both didn’t play due to various reasons in the second match as the bowling attack was found wanting in front of the aggressive batsmen. Adam Zampa should also make his return on the turning wicket after being left out at the Gabba. Wicket-keeper Tim Paine was seen hitting the ball in the nets and is likely to play the crucial encounter with Alex Carey making way for him.

Probable XI: Steven Smith (c), David Warner, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis,  Mitchell Starc, Tim Paine (wk), Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

England

England are in the happy space currently and it seems unlikely that they will make any changes to the team that won the first couple of matches comprehensively. They would only want to guard against complacency as the fully fit Australian side will feature in Sydney and will make life difficult for them.

Probable XI: Eoin Morgan (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood

Head to Head Record:

Played – 139 Australia – 80 England – 54 NR – 3 Tie – 2

At SCG: Played – 22 Australia Won – 11 England Won – 10 NR – 1

Focus will be on

Steve Smith

The skipper of the Australian side, Steve Smith has seldom been off-colour in recent times. It is the first time that he has not in the news for his great batting after having an excellent summer in Tests. With scores 23 and 18, he has done any justice to his stature as an ODI batsman so far in this series. Even he must have realised that the team relies on him to score the bulk of runs with the other batsmen rotating around him. Smith would love to play a match-winning innings in the must-win encounter on Sunday.

Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali’s credentials as an all-rounder are being questioned on this tour after a more than dismal Test series. He has struggled largely with the bat unsure of the role he wants to play in the line-up. He is used to changing the complexion of the game and will be itching to regain his old touch soon. He bowled really well in Brisbane but was castled by a perfect yorker by Starc. Though his place in the side is not under threat for now, even he knows that performance is the only criteria to stick around with this England outfit.

Stat Attack

100: Joe Root will play his 100th One-Day International in Sydney and will become only sixth player overall to maintain the average over 50 after these many matches.

4: Australia has won all the four previous ODIs against at the SCG.

Broadcast details

TV: Sony Six

Online: Sony Liv

Here is CricTracker’s Match Prediction