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In the final round robin match of the tri-series, England and India face off in a do-or-die match at the WACA to decide who will face Australia in Sunday’s final. Join The Roar for live scores, commentary and discussion from 2.20pm (AEDT).
India will be desperate to atone for their abject performance against England last week at the Gabba where the Indian batsmen were so bamboozled by England’s fast bowling duo James Anderson and Steve Finn that they could only amass a paltry 153 from less than 40 overs.
India’s bowlers then failed to contain England’s new record ODI run scorer, Ian Bell, as the England opener scored an unbeaten 88 in his side’s total of 1-156, taking just 27.3 overs to secure the bonus point, almost before the Gabba floodlights came into effect.
Although England management have professed to being satisfied with the way England are playing under new captain Eoin Morgan, both they and the fans will be hoping that Stuart Broad is able to find some form leading into the World Cup. Australia’s favourite pantomime villain has failed to take a wicket this series since his return from a knee problem, and he will want look to his fast bowling teammates for inspiration in Perth.
Anderson, Chris Woakes and the reinvigorated Finn have all found form so far in this tournament and with Moeen Ali and the criminally underused and underrated Ravi Bopara providing backup with the ball, the England management has the luxury to allow Broad time to find his form.
As for India, who were thrown a lifeline by the inclement weather in Sydney, gaining a spot in the final could revitalise a weary squad ahead of the World Cup. India have already been on tour in Australia for two months, and fatigue looked to play a big part in their capitulation against England at the Gabba, with the majority of the batsmen’s shot selection being poor.
Regardless, India have a very good record against England in ODIs, winning four of the last five series against the Poms by a cumulative score of 16 games to 6. Indeed, England have only won 6 of their last 19 ODIs against all competition, and the bookies have India slight favourites for the win accordingly.
England assistant coach Paul Farbrace dismissed that his side were slight underdogs however, suggesting that England’s chances of getting into the final have been greatly enhanced by playing India on two of the quickest pitches in world cricket.
Farbrace also suggested the extra pressure of this match effectively being a semi-final will give England’s new-look team extra practice at playing under the pressure they will experience in next month’s World Cup.
Neither England or India have managed to beat Australia yet this summer, although there were promising signs for India in Game 2 at the MCG and for England last week in Hobart. Both sides will have to up their games considerably to seriously challenge the home side when they meet in the final in Perth on Sunday, and a good showing here could give either team some much needed confidence.
If the recent BBL matches are anything to go by, the WACA pitch will be typically quick and bouncy, but still a good batting track which will allow batsmen to score fairly freely once they’ve got in. If England’s pace quartet can restrict India early, then I’d fancy a flurry of wickets. However, showing patience early in the match could see either side rack up a big score.
Despite the bookies predictions, I’m backing England for the win – although not quite as comfortably as they did at the Gabba. India will have to bowl incredibly well to contain the in-form Ian Bell, although if he departs cheaply, England’s batting demons could surface and England will need someone else to step up and carry the innings.
Will India pick up a morale-boosting win to kick start their World Cup campaign? Or will it be England who advance to the final full of confidence? Join The Roar to see who prevails, and leave your comments below.
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