Published: Sep 03, 2015, 12:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 03, 2015, 12:01 PM (IST)
Nathan Coulter-Nile and James Pattinson square-off in a friendly wrestle as Australia finish their preparations for Thursday’s first ODI against England. England and Australia will lock horns with each other once again in the ongoing tour, but this time in coloured clothing. After reclaiming the Ashes 2015, a confident England will take on Steven Smith-led young Australian team in five One-Day Internationals (ODIs). For Australia it is time for salvage some pride after the Ashes defeat. This will be Smith’s first series as a full time captain of Australia. Australia will once again pin hopes on their left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, who was the leading wicket-taker in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Starc will be a key force for Australia, with his weapon — the inswinging yorker — will prove to be a driving force. Eoin Morgan focuses on long term goal for England
However, in the last year, Australia have lost only three out of 24 completed ODIs. Also, in the three matches played in the venue for the first ODI, the Rose Bowl at Southampton, they have won twice. The form of the captain, Smith, is fertile, and with match-winners in Shane Watson, Glenn Maxwell and Starc set to participate in the five ODIs, they will be tough to beat even by a resurgent England. VIDEO: Sachin Tendulkar and Glenn Maxwell practicing together
Aaron Finch, the smashing opener, is away from action due to his recuperation from an injury, and the match-winning all-rounder James Faulkner, an integral part of the World Cup team, is excluded from the side due to a four-match ban imposed by Cricket Australia (CA) for a car crash amid drunk driving in Manchester. VIDEO: Lancashire Lightning beat Northampton Steelbacks to win Natwest T20 Blast 2015
