All eyes on Pat Cummins’ selection as Australia-England game takes centrestage in showpiece event
All eyes on Cummins’ selection as AUS-ENG game takes centre stage at T20 WC
Australia’s ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins might return to the playing XI for the first marquee game of this tournament against England in Barbados on Saturday (June 8). After being rested for the side’s opener against Oman, which Australia won by 39 runs, Cummins might replace Mitchell Starc in the XI, who left the field with discomfort in his hamstring. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis will retain their places in the side.
The Preview
The first big match of the 2024 T20 World Cup will take place in Barbados, with two former champions locking horns. Australia enters this contest with one more point than England, whose tournament opener against Scotland resulted in a washout.
While Australia’s win over Oman had many positives, including Warner and Stoinis’ form, they still have some worries to iron out.
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Glenn Maxwell’s lean patch with the bat is the biggest of all. The ‘Big Show’, in his last 14 T20Is (for Australia and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL), has scored just 115 runs at a slim average of 8.21, including five scores of zeroes, two of which came in the previous two games where he got out on first-ball ducks.
On the other hand, England has had their set of issues, but the return of the pace bowling duo of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood looks like solving most of them.
Although against Scotland, England conceded 90 runs without picking a wicket, playing on the new surface against Australia, which is said to be the best on the square, might help them paint a better picture.
Captain Jos Buttler’s IPL form was stupendous, but even he needs to pull up his socks against the mighty Aussies. Besides, England has a newer middle order, with veteran Jonny Bairstow now playing at number four. Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran or Moeen Ali will consist of the lower-order batters, while Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan will complete the bowling attack.
A new pitch will be on offer for this game, and weather conditions are said to be overcast, offering help for the seamers up-front.
Predicted Playing XIs of both teams –
England - Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (captain & wk), Will Jacks, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Mark Wood
Australia -David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (captain), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood
