England’s World Cup title defence has been a dismal affair, with Jos Buttler’s side winning just one of their six group games and sitting bottom of the table ahead of Saturday's clash with fierce rivals Australia.
By contrast, Pat Cummins’ Aussies have won their last four matches and currently occupy a spot in the top four which would see them make the semi-finals.
- Australia to win
- Australia to have highest opening partnership
- Harry Brook top England runscorer
No End To England’s Humiliation
England have been humbled in their World Cup defence, with the 2019 champions losing to Sri Lanka and Afghanistan as well as suffering heavy defeats to South Africa, India and New Zealand.
It’s hard to see them turning things around against Australia given their poor showings, particularly against the stronger sides. England lost by nine wickets to New Zealand, 229 runs to South Africa and 100 runs to India, and Australia will scent a chance to inflict some more pain on the old enemy.
England's performances with the bat, so often their strength in limited-overs cricket, have been disappointing to say the least.
In contrast, Australia come into this clash following totals of 367 and 399 in their last two matches and their strength with the bat should see them edge out the reigning champions.
The Aussies have recovered well from losing their first two World Cup matches to India and South Africa, arguably the best two outfits in the tournament, and they will relish the chance to pile the pain on England.
Aussie Batters To Get Off To A Flyer
One area where Australia seem to have a discernible edge over England is at the top of the order.
Aussie openers Travis Head and David Warner put on 175 in 19.1 overs against New Zealand last time out and they recorded a 269 stand the last time these two teams met in an ODI in November 2022.
With Glenn Maxwell out with concussion, Australia's top-order will be keen to compensate and they are fancied to post a higher opening partnership than England's pairing of Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan.
England have been bowled out for 215, 170, 156 and 129 in their last four matches and look set to struggle once again.
AUSTRALIA TO HAVE HIGHEST OPENING PARTNERSHIP
Brook Can Put Up Some Resistance
England have only two batters averaging above 30 at the World Cup, Dawid Malan and Harry Brook, and the latter is fancied to offer up some resistance to Australia.
Brook made 66 against Afghanistan and, with the rest of the English batting line-up struggling for confidence, he could be the one to lead the way.
Back Brook to lead England's batting card as the multi-format star attempts to provide some positivity for his side.
HARRY BROOK TOP ENGLAND BATSMAN
