Lord’s hosts one of the most eagerly anticipated Cricket World Cup group stage games as England do battle with Australia in a pre-Ashes encounter.
The Aussies only defeat of the tournament has come at the hands of India, and while England may have been the number one ranked side ahead of tournament, they have shown frailties in defeats to Pakistan and most recently Sri Lanka.
It is sure to be a classic at the Home of Cricket, and our cricket betting expert previews tomorrow’s encounter and gives you the best bets to look out for.
England to bounce back?
Having restricted Sri Lanka to 232-9 from their 50 overs at Headingley on Friday, you would not have had many people predicting an England defeat.
Their batting has often been lethal, yet when Jonny Bairstow fell for a duck, the writing was on the wall as a Lasith Malinga-inspired Sri Lanka side tore through the England batting line-up to record a surprise win.
Eoin Morgan’s charges should still qualify for the knockout stages but with three fixtures remaining against the Aussies, New Zealand and India – the three other sides in the top-four – they could easily head into the make-or-break matches in their worst form in recent times.
The one area of the game which has looked solid for England throughout the tournament though is the pace bowling with Jofra Archer the leading wicket taker in the tournament so far, closely followed by Mark Wood.
Australia have experienced Archer more than most, with his Big Bash form bringing him to the forefront of England’s one-day plans. Knowing about it is one thing, but being able to thwart him is a completely different kettle of fish.
It is hard to bet against the former being the leading wicket taker in the match, which can be backed at 5/1 with Grosvenorsport.com.
Solid-looking Aussies
Australia may not have their greatest ever side, but they continue to deliver the goods when required – they have done just enough in each of their five World Cup 2019 wins so far.
Twelve months ago they looked a side in trouble but since the return of David Warner they have undoubtedly looked a better side, and Warner has had a solid start to the World Cup.
He currently leads the top batsman standing with 447 runs at an average of 89.40 with two fifties and two centuries.
Mark Wood had the beating of Warner in Australia and may hold England’s best chance of dismissing the opener early doors, however, if England let the 32-year-old settle in the middle, it could be a long day in the field.
Predictions
Australia have won eight of the last 13 one-day internationals against England at Lord’s, and hold the upper hand going into this one.
I wouldn’t be surprised if England find something extra in this one though, smarting from their Sri Lanka loss and looking to prove a point before a potential meeting in the knockout stages.
While England’s big hitters in the shape of Bairstow, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes create the headlines, I fancy Joe Root to continue his good World Cup form.
He’s picked up two centuries and three fifties in the tournament and can be the model of consistency England need to get back to winning ways.
Back Root to be the top run scorer at 9/2 and I also feel he could take home the man-of-the-match award at 12/1.
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