England vs Australia Cricket World Cup Warm Up - England rotation could hand Australia the initiative

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 26 May 2019

Ralph Staniforth 26 May 2019

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Steve Smith tipped to hit the international stage for six upon his return

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Steve Smith is tipped to have a big game against England upon his return to international cricket(Getty Images)

England vs Australia Cricket World Cup Warm Up Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

This is the oldest cricketing rivalry in cricket and one of the most hotly contested matches. This match should be a lot more low-key to the Ashes as they both prepare for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

I am tipping Australia to beat England in Southampton at 2.30 and for Steve Smith to return to international cricket with a bang as Australia’s top batsman at 4.50

England Form & Team News

England are hosts and favourites to claim the World Cup and have played plenty of ODI cricket recently. They have just come off a 4-0 ODI series victory over Pakistan in which they batted superbly and bowled well.

England are likely to rotate and test combinations which makes betting on specific players risky despite Johnny Bairstow's unbelievable form. It is very probable that James Vince will get another run out, as will the sensational Jofra Archer who can be backed to be England’s best bowler at 4.33.

England are favourites to beat Australia at 1.61 but it’s risky considering their likelihood to test various combinations.

archer england — Jofra Archer is likely to start against Australia after making the Cricket World Cup squad.(Getty Images)

Australia Form & Team News

Former captain Steve Smith and David Warner is back in the side and the team is in good form. Their last eight ODI’s have ended in victory – first they beat India 3-2 in India after being 2-0 down in the five match series before going on to beat Pakistan 5-0 in the UAE.

That said, before this eight game unbeaten run Australia only won three of their previous 18 ODI’s. All of that was without Smith and Warner. Their will definitely and make them a far more dangerous outfit.

Warner and Smith add quality a different dimension to the Aussies, they are likely to feature in this encounter as it will be their first game back for 18 months. Usman Khawaja was injured in a hit-out with the West Indies which means Warner should open with Aaron Finch.

Smith has been in good form recently. He has made scores of 89, 91 and 76 in three non official ODI’s against New Zealand and West Indies and also averaged 39.87 in the recently completed IPL.

I am tipping Steve Smith to make an immediate mark on his return to international duty by being the top batsman for Australia at 4.50 and for Australia to win the match at 2.30.

England vs Australia Head to Head

The oldest rivalry in cricketing terms is Australia and England. They both seem to dominate in patches against one another, especially since the start of 2015.

Australia won six ODI’s in a row against England between January 2015 and the beginning of Feb 2015 and proceeded to win only two of the next 14 clashes with the old enemy until 24 June 2018.

They both come into this game in good form though and more importantly, the result could well be determined by the players selected.

England vs Australia Match Up

England are an exceptionally well balanced side with a two spinners, fast bowlers with differing strengths and a batting line-up that is deeper than any other in the game currently.

Australia's batting has been strong recently and the return of David Warner and Steve Smith can only help. The bowling isn’t their strongest suit but if Mitchell Starc finds the form he had at the 2015 Cricket World Cup, very few will fancy taking him on.

Australia ODI cricket — Australia have won their last 8 ODI's including a 5-0 win over Pakistan(Getty Images)

England vs Australia Key Statistics

England are likely to rest key players for this warm up match.
Australia's Steve Smith is in good form having averaged 39.87 in the 2019 IPL.
Australia's Steve Smith has had scores of 89, 91 and 76 in the last three non official ODI’s.
Australia have won their last 8 ODI’s (3 vs India, 5 vs Pakistan).

Verdict

I have a suspicion that the English will rest three or four key players in order to give the squad players more time in the middle. I am tipping Steve Smith to make a successful return to international cricket by being Australia’s best batsman at 4.50, while I believe the Aussies will beat a slightly weakened England team at 2.30.

Best Bet: Australia Win @ 2.30 at bet365 – 2 Units

Australia Top Batsman Tip: Steve Smith @ 4.50 at bet365 – 1 Unit