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England vs Australia 2015, 2nd ODI at Lord’s: Key battles

England will look to level the series after losing the first ODI at Southampton.

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David Warner (Left) vs Steven Finn (Right)  will be one of the most anticipated battles © Getty Images
David Warner (Left) vs Steven Finn (Right) will be one of the most anticipated battles © Getty Images

Australia beat England comprehensively in the first One-Day international (ODI) at Southampton. The match had many ups and downs, but Australia put up a disciplined performance with the ball and that proved out to be the difference between the sides. England will look to level the series in the second ODI at Lord’s. Pramod Ananth analyses the key battles in the second ODI. Scorecard: England vs Australia, 2nd ODI at Lord’s

David Warner vs Steven Finn: Warner scored a patient fifty in the first match, playing out the opening spells of Finn and Mark Wood without any hassle. The contest between Finn and Warner is an exciting one, considering the extra bounce Finn can generate with his height. At 6’7″, Finn can certainly trouble Warner, who is just about 5’5″. With seaming conditions at Lord’s this will be treat to watch. READ: Australia likely XI for 2nd ODI against England at Lord’s

Steven Smith vs Mark Wood: There is perhaps nobody who is in better form at the moment in world cricket than Smith. He has enjoyed amazing form of late and is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most important wickets. Given Smith’s perceived vulnerability and reputation of poking at deliveries outside off, Wood with his accurate line and length, can trouble the Australia skipper.

Glenn Maxwell vs Adil Rashid: Maxwell scored a run-a-ball 15 in the first ODI, before he edged one to the ‘keeper. However, Maxwell is not a player of leg-spin, especially if he has to face them in the beginning of his innings. With the form Rashid has been in of late in limited overs, one would back Rashid to remove Maxwell early. READ: England cannot afford to go complacent against Australia in ODIs after winning Ashes 2015

Jason Roy vs Mitchell Starc: Roy scored his maiden fifty in ODIs in the first match at Southampton. He cut and pulled the fast bowlers with ease and drove them well too. With him finally showing some glimpses of what his capable of, his wicket at the top will be crucial. Starc did not bowl particularly well in his opening spell and it will be a good toss-up between the two players. Starc will look to put in an improved performance and will hope Roy will make a mistake and is dismissed early.

Shane Watson vs Eoin Morgan: Watson returned to form, not with the bat but with the ball. He bowled with great intent and managed to get a couple of wickets in the process. With Morgan being an important cog in the England batting line-up, Watson will be entrusted to dismiss him. Watson was the best bowler in the middle overs and this Morgan will be the key wicket a batting line up, which is a bit weakened in the absence of Joe Root. READ: Australia’s inexperienced squad could work in England’s favour in ODI series

(Pramod Ananth is a reporter at CricketCountry. He has represented Karnataka table tennis under-15, and is a hardcore supporter of Liverpool FC. His Twitter handle is @pramz)

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