Published: Feb 14, 2015, 08:08 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 14, 2015, 08:09 AM (IST)
Three times champions and co-host of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Australia meet England in their opening match at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Staurday. Australia are the favourites in the match and one of the teams, who are slotted to win the trophy. On the other hand, led by Eoin Morgan, England should be feared for their bowling strength in the likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn and Chris Woakes. The Pool A encounter between the two teams is expected to be a close competition and will attract a lot of eye balls. Live Scorecard of the 2nd ODI Pool A encounter between Australia and England
England will be depending a lot on Morgan, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler and Joe Root, to open up and either put up a huge target or chase down one, if need be. On the other hand, Australia will be hoping that their pace attack is able to restrict the opposition to mere total. Australia also have a strong batting in the likes of David Warner, Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell, who have done well recently. Australia will be hoping for a solid partnership from Aaron Finch and Warner. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: POINTS TABLE
Mitchell Johnson will lead the Australian bowling unit from the front. The bowler has done well in the past two years, and have been awarded the ICC Cricketer of the Year previous for his heroics against England at home during the Ashes 2013-14 tour. Supporting him will be Mitchell Starc, who have been on a high following his performances in the tri-series against India and England. England batsmen have been tested by Starc and Johnson in the past two years. However, England also have their share of good bowlers. Anderson and Broad form one of the best bowling pairs in the world currently. However, that is in the longer format of the game. It will be interesting to see whether Broad is able to break-free and put forward a match-winning performance. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
Having played the final of the tri-series tournament, both the teams know their strength and weakness. George Bailey will be leading the Australian camp infront of their home crowd and will be expected to put a strong performance not only in decision making but with the bat. Morgan, on the other hand, will be wanting to put aside his past few failures and make a noteworthy return with the bat. After the hundred against India, Morgan has not been able to perform with the bat. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage
Squads:
Australia: Michael Clarke (c), George Bailey, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.
England: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Joe Root, James Taylor, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes.
Live Updates: Australia vs England Pool A game at Melbourne
