Predicting the England Australia clash at the World Cup

When was the last time England  defeated Australia at the World Cup?  You will not be able to recall as it was way back in 1992. 

In a game that is the prelude to the Ashes, the hosts and the visitors are sure to bring their A-game.

English spirit is on a low ebb after losing to Sri Lanka in a lugubrious manner. The euphoric delight of victory against  Afghanistan was squashed by Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews.

Venue

This is the second game at the Mecca of Cricket. After a rain-affected week, the pitch will offer swing and assistance to cutters, considering this is only the second game there.

So if England wins the toss, then they should choose to bowl. They, however, have lost both the matches while chasing. Australia, on the other hand, will be looking to bat first considering the fine form of their openers.

Australia

David Warner and Aaron Finch are going great guns. Both are scoring runs at will. Will English bowlers pose difficulties? Yes.

Finch is prone to nick cutters like Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes. Jofra Archer is a weapon against left-handers. Once you take three to four early wickets then only Steve Smith has the capability to weather the storm.

I do not expect Australians to score 300+ score against the quality attack of England.

 Australia's secondary bowling unit is pedestrian. If you remove Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, the other bowlers are vulnerable. Look at how Bangladesh and Sri Lanka attacked the likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff and Kane Richardson.

England

Absence of Jason Roy has affected the rhythm. Jonny Bairstow has failed in his last innings so he will be charged to counterbalance Starc and Cummins.

English middle order is superb against fast bowlers and a bunny against  quality spinners. If Starc doesn't rattle the top order, I expect England to score 300+ while batting first or chasing a sub-280 score.

Players to watch out for 
Joe Root, Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes for England. 

Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith and David Warner for Australia.

Verdict

I feel that England has a better chance of winning this match and staking a claim for a semi-final berth. Lord's is the perfect venue for what promises to be an electric encounter.