England vs Australia 2020, 3rd ODI: Cricket Match Prediction: Who will win the match?

After losing the T20I series 1-2, Australia won their opening ODI against England by 19 runs at the Old Trafford in Manchester. Even in the second, they were the front-runners for most part of the match. However, a batting collapse led to their demise, allowing Eoin Morgan and Co to level the series 1-1. With all to play for, the third and deciding ODI is expected to be an absolute thriller.

Australia’s middle-order has been wobbly at times and it cost them the previous encounter. The Brits, on the other hand, would like to rethink their batting, which looked a tad out-of-sorts in the last match. Since 1972, the arch-rivals have been involved in some jaw-dropping ODIs in Manchester. However, it’s pertinent to note that England haven’t lost a bilateral ODI series at home since 2015.

Pitch and conditions

The pitch hasn’t been a belter by any means. Though run-making hasn’t been all that tough, bowlers have had their say as well. In both the matches, the team, batting second strained and hence, batting first should be the way forward for the teams. There are minimum chances of rain with the temperature around 15 and 19 degrees Celsius. The conditions will be cloudy though.

Team Combinations 

England

For England, Jason Roy’s form is a bit of a concern. He only has 24 runs to his name. Jonny Bairstow got 84 and then bagged a duck. Both openers would want a collective effort in the deciding contest. Joe Root has looked ridiculously out of form, scoring 40 runs at an indifferent strike-rate of 47.61.

The rest also needs to step up and display England’s depth in their batting. In the bowling lineup, Jofra Archer has been exceptional with six wickets. Sam Curran, Mark Wood and Adil Rashid also have three wickets each to their name. Chris Woakes has three scalps to show for his efforts.

Probable XI

Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Buttler, Sam Billings (wk), Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer

Australia

David Warner has been a bit disappointing, scoring only 12 and he will be keen to make amends. Aaron Finch returned to form with a 73, though it couldn’t lead his team to a victory. Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne have been reasonable enough, getting 74 and 69 runs respectively.

Alex Carey has looked brisk lower down the order. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis are the only specialist batters with a strike-rate over 100. In bowling, Adam Zampa has seven wickets. Josh Hazlewood has four wickets at an economy of 2.65. Mitchell Starc has been hard to get away as well.

Probable XI

David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Marcus Stoinis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Probable Top Performers

Jason Roy – England | Aaron Finch – Australia

Head to Head

Played- 151 | Australia won- 63 | England won- 83 | N/R- 3 | Tied- 2

In Manchester

Played- 14 | Australia won- 6 | England won- 8 | N/R- 0

ODI Results in Manchester (Overall)  

Team batting first won- 26

Team batting second won- 27

Broadcast Details

Match Timings– 5:30 PM (IST), 1:00 PM (Local).

TV– Sony Six, Sony Six HD

Live Streaming– The match can be streamed online on Sony Liv and Airtel stream.

The prediction is for the team, batting first to win the match.