ICC World Cup 2019: 2nd Semi-Final, Australia vs England: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Many had anticipated this clash to be in the final. But South Africa beat Australia in the last league game and it changed the equation completely. Aaron Finch‘s men ended up at the second place in the points table which set their clash against third-placed England. The arch-rivals faced off at the Lord’s once before in the 2019 World Cup and Australia won the match comfortably and they would be hoping for a similar outing again.

However, this time the match is at the Edgbaston where England boast of a great record. Australia, on the other hand, struggle whenever they play at the venue. The hosts of the mega event have defied the odds to qualify for the knockouts and have the momentum on their side. They defeated the table toppers India and then brushed aside New Zealand to seal their place in the semi-finals.

In terms of the team changes, England are most likely to go in with the same side that got the better of the Kiwis unless the pitch suggests something else. The Men in Yellow, however, will have to make one forced change. Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the tournament and Peter Handscomb will play for him.

Match Details

The 2nd Semi-Final of the ICC World Cup 2019 will be played between Australia and England at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

The match starts at 10:30 AM local time (09:30 AM GMT) (3:00 PM IST).

Reserve day available for this match.

The game will be live on Star Sports. Live streaming available on Hotstar.

Weather Report

The rain looks set to play the spoilsport in this match as well. No doubt it will be cloudy for the whole day, there is a 20% possibility of rain in the morning. However, it increases suddenly to 60% by 2 PM and the clouds will definitely open up with thunderstorms. At 4 PM, there is a 49% chance of raining and this burst might take the game into the reserve day. Things will improve by 5 PM but the ground should be ready to get the game done.

The temperature will hover around 19-23 Degrees Celsius during the match according to AccuWeather while the humidity will be in the higher 60s.

Pitch Report

The last two matches at the venue has witnessed scores over 300 and a fresh pitch will be provided for this game too. But the pitches across the UK are tiring out with a lot of cricket being played and it should be no surprise if the 22 yards at the Edgbaston turn out to be slow. The team winning the toss is expected to bat first.

Average first innings score: 282  (Last four 2019 World Cup matches at the venue)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 2; Lost – 2

Probable Playing XIs

Australia

David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Steve Smith, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jason Behrendorff.

Bench – Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Kane Richardson.

England

Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (WK), Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

Bench – Tom Curran, Moeen Ali, Liam Dawson, James Vince.

Team News

Marcus Stoinis is fit to play this match as confirmed by the head coach Justin Langer.

Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the tournament and Matthew Wade has replaced him in the squad.

Power Picks

Aaron Finch vs ENG in ODIs:

Innings: 25

Runs: 1253

Average: 52.20

100s: 7

50s: 4

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Jason Roy

Vice-Captain Options: Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Wicket-keeper – Alex Carey

Batsmen – Eoin Morgan, Jonny Bairstow (VC), Jason Roy, David Warner (C), Steve Smith

All-Rounders – Ben Stokes

Bowlers – Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood, Mitchell Starc, Jason Behrendorff.

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Grand/Mega Leagues:

Wicket-keeper – Alex Carey

Batsmen – Eoin Morgan, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Aaron Finch (C)

All-Rounders – Ben Stokes (VC), Glenn Maxwell

Bowlers – Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Mitchell Starc, Jason Behrendorff.

Expert Advice:

It is tough to accommodate the likes of Finch, Warner, Root and Bairstow in the same team. It is better to leave out Root as in case England get off to good start, he gets out while trying to up the ante most of the times. Also, if you ignore Finch, the likes of Starc and Archer can be accommodated in the team.

Steve Smith will definitely bat at number three and could be a good option to be made captain in grand leagues.

Probable Winners:

The team batting first will have an advantage in this match.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.