One of sport’s great rivalries resumes this Saturday as Australia and England meet in the group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy.
It is a cricketing clash which always attracts huge attention from across the world.
Both sides will be playing in the tournament for the first time when they lock horns in Lahore and a victory in the opener would go a long way to securing a spot in the semi-finals.
Throughout the tournament, NetBet will be providing a range of great cricket odds for your sports betting needs.
Australia vs England Preview
Australia and England’s preparations for this tournament were far from ideal.
The Three Lions slipped to a 3-0 defeat against India in a three-match ODI series, while the Aussies were beaten 2-0 by Sri Lanka in a 50-over skirmish.
Of course, Australia are the current world champions but they will be without many of the players who helped them lift the World Cup trophy in November 2023.
Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are all absent from the 15-man squad for a variety of reasons.
So there is a fresh look to the Aussie side, although on paper it is still a team to be feared by everyone else in the competition.
Travis Head, Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell are the key figures with bat in hand, while Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie and Ben Dwarshius are all exciting fast-bowling options.
As for England, Brendon McCullum is now the man in charge, with star batsman Jos Buttler retaining his role as captain.
Joe Root is also back in the ODI fold and his proven quality in this format could be the key to holding the fairly inexperienced batting order together.
A lot will be expected of Harry Brook too, particularly as he has an outstanding record in Pakistan conditions, including a Test triple century late last year.
In the bowling department, England can call on some veterans in Mark Wood and Adil Rashid, while Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood and Gus Atkinson represent a strong-looking pace attack
And the Three Lions will be out for revenge after losing 3-2 in a home ODI series against Australia last summer, while the 2023 World Cup clash between the pair ended in a 33-run victory for the Aussies.
We cannot wait for the first ball on Saturday morning!
Australia vs England Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Australia are understandably the favourites here at odds of 1.69, while England are priced at 2.04 to complete a victory.
Australia vs England Betting Tips
England Top Batter – Jos Buttler @ 5.50
At No5 in the batting order, Buttler’s role is of vital importance. Capable of rebuilding an innings if wickets tumble and then going berserk towards the end, the England skipper remains one of the best in the business. Buttler has two ODI centuries against Australia, as well as five half centuries.
Australia Top Bowler – Adam Zampa @ 3.40
Zampa will be the senior figure in Australia’s bowling attack – and he has a great record vs England. In 16 ODIs against the Three Lions, the world-class spinner has taken 34 wickets at an average of 23.29.
Most Sixes – England @ 2.29
With McCullum at the helm, ‘BazBall’ has entered the ODI arena. If England get going and do not lose wickets early, expect the ball to be sent flying to all parts of the Gaddafi Stadium!
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