England clinched the series with victory in Sunday’s second T20I leaving Australia with only pride to play for in the third match of the series.
Both sides could experiment with a view to preparing for the 2021 T20 World Cup in India.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Third T20I | Tuesday 8 September 2020 | The Rose Bowl, Southampton | 19:00
To Win Match
England 9/10
Tie 25/1
Australia 9/10
England
Jos Buttler was England’s star again in the second T20I and should be the first name in the World Cup squad if he can keep up his incredible form in the format.
Dawid Malan has made himself difficult to drop with his performances against Pakistan and Australia, although he still has some staunch critics of his style. He may lose out though if England decide to give Joe Denly a run.
England’s bowling attack is shaping up well ahead of the next major ICC tournament with T20I specialist Chris Jordan starring alongside Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid. Archer and Mark Wood are likely to enjoy another run in the third T20I, as they look to get overs under their belts.
Moeen Ali’s contributions with the bat and ball can make the difference in any match for the Three Lions, and he has looked good throughout the English home summer.
Australia
Australia clearly haven’t hit on their idea batting order as demonstrated in two failed chases in the series so far. They remain dangerous because of the presence of Aaron Finch and David Warner at the top of the order though.
The tourists have yet to prove they can win when their openers don’t blow the opposition out of the water. The experiment with Alex Carey at three didn’t achieve the desired effect in the second defeat of Australia’s tour.
Australia’s threatening bowling attack hasn’t quite had the penetration one would expect of them, and as a result, England have been able to make the most of the powerplays.
Finishers Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell were left with too much to do in their last outing, but both showed signs of being close to their destructive best.
Verdict: England 9/10
England should sweep the series.
