Defending champions England will take on the mighty Australians on Saturday in what will be the first big match of the ongoing T20 World Cup.
The Group B match in Bridgetown assumes more importance for the Englishmen as their opening game, against Scotland, was washed out without a result. Though that tie wasn’t completed, it gave ample food for thought to England as their bowlers came up second-best against the unfancied Scots, who reached 90 without loss in 10 overs before rain halted the proceedings.
Australia, on a high after their ODI World Cup triumph last year, surely have better batters than Scotland and so there’s enough reason for England to be worried. The likes of Travis Head, David Warner, and Mitchell Marsh can shred the England bowlers to pieces if they are not on the mark.
Australia had full points from their opening game, a 39-run win over Oman.
A lot of the spotlight will be on speedster Jofra Archer, who is still taking baby steps in his comeback to top-level cricket after a prolonged absence due to injuries. Archer gave away 12 runs in two overs against Scotland.
England will hope that their batters are in a better touch with the likes of captain Jos Buttler and Phil Salt having a good time in the IPL, which preceded the World Cup.
Pat Cummins had not played in Australia’s win over Oman, but the experienced pacer is likely to return to the XI on Saturday.
Australia will alsohope for runs from Glenn Maxwell. The all-rounder’s wretched form continues he was out for a first-ball duck against Oman.
