It would otherwise be another innocuous ODI series, but Australia’s tour of England takes on extra significance this time around. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the first ODI at The Oval from 10pm (AEST).
Australia have undergone a changing of the guard following the bungled tour of South Africa and the ball-tampering scandal, with this being new coach Justin Langer’s first chance to get his hands on the team.
With the World Cup in England just 12 months away, this tour gives the tourists some vital preparation time.
Steve Smith and David Warner are obviously still suspended, so the team will be led by wicketkeeper Tim Paine and opening batsman Aaron Finch. Exacerbating the issue is that the side’s three top quicks – Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood – are all back at home with injury.
It means the pop-up attack will feature Kane Richardson, Jhye Richardson and probably Billy Stanlake, while Nathan Lyon has been recalled to the limited overs team ahead of the dropped Adam Zampa.
Australia have had two warm-up wins ahead of the series, against Sussex and Middlesex, with D’Arcy Short, Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis all showing some form to confirm their spots in the team.
England, who won their ODI series Down Under earlier this year after a failed Ashes campaign, will be out to kick Australia while they are down.
They have their own injury issues, with gun all-rounder Ben Stokes and pace bowler Chris Woakes out of action, but the squad is still strong.
Their last ODI commitment was way back in February, when they beat New Zealand 3-2, and they will be confident heading into this series.
Alex Hales and Jonny Bairstow have really come into their own at the top of the order and with other big hitters like Jos Buttler and Eoin Morgan featuring, they will look to pick the Aussie attack apart.
Their bowling, while having more experience, isn’t necessarily better pound-for-pound and they will look to win the game with the willow in hand.
Prediction
England have the better team on paper and with home advantage, it’s hard to see them dropping this first ODI.
England to win comfortably.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the first ODI between England and Australia from 10pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me here on The Roar for the first ODI. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. We will be back for the second at 8pm (AEST) on Saturday. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
No worries! I assume it must be.
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULL MATCH SCORECARD
England defeat Australia by 3 wickets Toss: Australia to bat first AUSTRALIA BATTINGAUSTRALIA: 10/215 (47)
ENGLAND BATTINGENGLAND 7/218 (44)
Dan in Devon
Guest
Thanks for blog. Guess this is what happens when Graeme Hick is your batting coach!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Good effort from Willey who ends up with 35 not out.
Scott Pryde
Expert
SIX! England win! I'd ask why Willey didn't do that a few overs ago, but anyway. He dispatches Neser straight back over his head, puts him into the grandstand and that'll be that. England win it by three wickets with 36 balls to spare.
England 7/218 (44) Australia: 10/215 (47)
Scott Pryde
Expert
Quick single from Willey to mid off. The direct hit causes a deflection and they scamper back for a second. Three to win.
Over: 43.5 England 7/212 Required score: 215
Scott Pryde
Expert
And the runs are coming from everywhere! Plunkett grabs a single to third man now. Five to win.
Over: 43.3 England 7/210 Required score: 215
Scott Pryde
Expert
Now Willey does grab a single behind square, working it off the pads. The Aussies have been far too straight in their bowling to the lefties today.
Over: 43.2 England 7/209 Required score: 215
Scott Pryde
Expert
Neser switches ends. Starts back of a length, into the pads of Willey who drops it into the leg side. No run.
Over: 43.1 England 7/208 Required score: 215
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, this is a real painful slog for viewers at the moment. Even worse for those in Australia where it's almost 5am. The result is a foregone conclusion, but Plunkett plays out a maiden here.
Over: 43 England 7/208 Required score: 215
Scott Pryde
Expert
Plunkett defends the next couple.
Over: 42.3 England 7/208 Required score: 215
Scott Pryde
Expert
Kane Richardson back for his ninth over. Goes into the pads of Plunkett to start and he defends.
Over: 42.1 England 7/208 Required score: 215
Scott Pryde
Expert
No run from the last three balls of this over and Tye finishes with 2/42.
Over: 42 England 7/208 Required score: 215
Scott Pryde
Expert
Willey misses a pull shot to a shorter ball with Tye bowling around the wicket, then he punches a straighter one to mid off.
Over: 41.3 England 7/208 Required score: 215
Scott Pryde
Expert
Plunkett with a single as Tye begins his final over. This is over now. England need 7.
Over: 41.1 England 7/208 Required score: 215
Scott Pryde
Expert
Agree Dan.
Scott Pryde
Expert
FOUR Just a little bit of width that time from Neser. Willey hangs the bat out, opens the face and runs it away behind point for a boundary. That makes it a single-figure margin to bridge now.
Over: 41 England 7/207 Required score: 215
Dan in Devon
Guest
Well a fairly predictable outcome likely here but the bowlers have done well I think. The Aussie batting line up looks fragile with the exception of Maxwell - I am not sure they hold any fears for England. Hard to see how Australia will win a match during this tour.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Plunkett now grabs a single as well. They aren't going to pass up runs as he punches one through the covers.
Over: 40.5 England 7/203 Required score: 215