ICC Men’s T20I World Australia vs England the Biggest rivalry is back

ICC Men’s T20I World Cup will effectively have knocked out the other, with two defeats likely to be terminal to chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the tournament.

Read More Marcus Stoinis extraordinary onslaught ensured Australia overcame a valiant Sri Lanka

Hosts and defending champions Australia were pummeled in their opening group game, but are back on a high after Marcus Stoinis inspired a win over Sri Lanka with a brutal display of hitting last time out.

In contrast, England followed up their winning start with a lacklustre showing against Ireland, a performance that resulted in defeat on DLS Method to leave Jos Buttler and his side needing a big run of wins to avoid leaving the World Cup at the Super 12 stage.

We know we have made a mistake and have put more pressure on us,” Buttler admitted. “But certainly, if you needed a game to get going then England v Australia is one of those.”

England’s equation is relatively simple. Beat Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, and their qualification hopes remain in their own hands. Lose any of those games and a group-stage exit is possible, if not probable.

A similar scenario lies ahead for Australia, although their final two group games come against the lower-ranked Afghanistan and Ireland, matches that the hosts would expect to win.

So rather than results, the talk of pressure directed toward the Australia camp was focussed on the role and selection of captain Aaron Finch.

The opener endured a tricky evening against Sri Lanka, scratching his way to 31* from 42 balls in a manner that has prompted further discussions about his place in the side.

I don’t feel any more pressure than I ever have, the only pressure is the expectation you put on yourself,” Finch said ahead of the England game.

“Everyone’s got their opinion, that’s fine. I’ve got no issue with what people’s personal opinions are, I don’t read or listen to any of it.”

Predicted Playing XI

Australia 

Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

England

Jos Buttler (c), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood