Match Today: England v Australia, 1st ODI (2010), NatWest Series, Southampton
The first of the five ODI series between England and Australia will be played on Tuesday at the Rose Bowl. The game will be a day-nighter, and the first one between the two sides since the final of the World T20 at Barbados. It is easy to see why the Aussies will go into the game as favourites, to win the game. The last time they had played England in an ODI series, the Aussies had come out trumps, 6-1
Australia has played a couple of games on tour so far, and Michael Clarke has flopped in both the matches. On the other hand, Australia’s opener for this series, Tim Paine has looked composed. It was his knock of 80 that won the Aussies their game against Ireland. Cameron White also continues to impress down the order. His scored century against Middlesex and he could well be promoted up if Clarke continues to find the going difficult. This is also an important series for Ricky Ponting from the batting perspective, as he will look to find those big runs that had made him a dangerous batsman in the last half of a decade.
England’s batting has gone from strength to strength. They have Craig Kieswetter at the top who was responsible for the World T20 final win, apart from Kevin Pietersen and Eoin Morgan, both of whom can hit the long ball. With Andrew Strauss making a half century against Scotland and regaining the lost touch from the county championships, the English batting looks like the one to dislodge. Ian Bell is a part of the squad, but injuries aside, he will not be a part of the starting eleven, as Paul Collingwood’s presence in the middle will look to take any blows that the Aussie bowlers will deliver. But still, despite of Aussies recent loss to England and the rather close game against Ireland, Australia will hold the upper hand in the match, and if England play to their potential, we could be looking at a cracking encounter.
Match Timings: Jun 22, 2010 (14:30 local | 13:30 GMT | 19:00 IST)
Catch the action of England v Australia 1st ODI NatWest Series (2010) LIVE @TheCricket-TV
