Champions Trophy: Match 3 - England v Australia : England preview

When traditional rivals Australia and England meet, as cricket-obsessed fans, all of us can expect a high-voltage contest. Match-winning performances by players from both sides will be feted and remembered by their respective countrymen for a long time to come. So, when Australia take on England in a crucial ICC Champions Trophy encounter today, it is more than just a game of cricket for players from both teams.

Conditions

Traditionally, Edgbaston has been a decent track for batting. Just like most other grounds in England, one can expect a bit of grass on the surface, and it may do a bit for the quicker bowlers early on in the game. But if the top-order show the required technique to play through the initial tough period, batsmen can enjoy the even bounce on offer.

Key players

James Anderson - James Anderson is no doubt the fulcrum of England’s attack. The lynchpin of England’s pace attack, he seemingly has the ball on a string, and does whatever he wishes to do with a ball in hand. With subtle changes and variations in pace and swing, he can penetrate any batsman’s defence on his day.

Anderson can be even more of a threat against Australia, as they have a slew of left-handers in their batting line-up. In the last few years, Anderson, with dogged determination and perseverance, has improved his record against left-handers. He has that uncanny ability to bowl from around the wicket to left-handers with great control. His stock delivery from over the wicket, which is invariably the out-swinger, works well for him too.

Jonathan Trott - Since Trott made his ODI debut, English journalists have constantly harped on the fact that he can’t up the ante, and inject the much-needed pace into the innings. But Trott is in the side to play the role of a sheet anchor, and he does perform that job extremely well. Trott averages over 50 in ODI cricket, and that is some achievement. If England has to do well in the Champions Trophy, Trott and Cook have to erect a solid platform for likes of Morgan and Buttler to come into play.

X-factor

Jos Buttler - Having watched Buttler bat in a few domestic games, and his recent exploits in the last ODI against the Kiwis, he has proven himself to be a high-impact, explosive player. On his day, no ground is big for him. Even a few of his mis-hits can easily clear the boundary ropes. He can also take the mickey out of opposition bowlers with the scoop-shot and the reverse sweep. You can underestimate Buttler’s batting prowess at your own peril.

England’s chances

England should fancy their chances against Australia, as the Aussies have a slightly inexperienced and unproven batting line-up. Clarke not playing due to his persistent back injury, which is a body blow to Australia’s chances. Having said that, one can never write off Australia, and in shorter formats of the game, it all comes down to who plays better on the day.

Possible line-up

Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, Joe Root, Eion Morgan, Jos Buttler, Ravi Bopara, Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Steven Finn.