 Australia have gone one up in the series with an emphatic win in the opening match at MCG. Australia badly needed some momentum after not having won a series since February last year. The man in form Shane Watson scored a brilliant unbeaten 161 to lift Australia's spirit as they chased down the total of 294 set by England. The series is a long one containing seven matches so there is still a long way to go. The next match is scheduled to be played at Hobart on Friday, January 21.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs England
Australian batsmen in the previous game looked like a whole new unit as they won by six wickets. Worry however for Michael Clarke's men is their inconsistent bowling. Mitchell Johnson, their premier strike bowler leaked runs.
The wicket at Hobart is also expected to be flat with plenty of runs. Brett Lee, after disappointing T20 outings fought back well and was the best Australian bowler. This would please Australian selectors who now have wide range of options going into the second match.
Australia can play Shaun Tait in place of Xavier Doherty to give their pace attack extra venom. Michael Hussey may bat at no. four with Steve Smith getting a demotion down the order. Shane Watson has been a star for Australia for some time now and Australia desperately need him to continue performing. Besides, Watson no other batsman could manage half century in their win at MCG. In view of World Cup preparations Australia would want to win this series by as bigger margins as they can.
Australia have won three and lost two of their last five ODIs.
England were rather tamed at MCG. Lack of planning in their batting was exposed when they kept throwing wickets away but it was their poor quality bowling that cost them the series opener. Hobart will be as tough an assignment of them as
visitors are without James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Steve Finn.
The match of Friday is a day night one and bowling under lights is something Englishmen won't fancy. There is some turn expected. This would delight Graeme Swann who was easily England's best bowler on Sunday and the only one to go at less than five per over. For the next match, similar playing conditions are expected and more of England's problems lie in their bowling rather than batting. England would like to get back on level terms and ultimately get ahead as soon as they can.
England have lost three and won two of their last five ODIs.
|
