Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
A more battle-hardened Australia closed out the first T20i ruthlessly against England, taking a one-match lead as the series moves to Cardiff.
DATE/TIME: Friday 13th September 2024 – UK – 6:30pm / India – 11:00pm / US EST – 1:30pm / US PST – 10:30am
VENUE: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wales
WEATHER: Sunny with light winds and temperatures starting at around 14c before dropping steadily.
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Fox Sports / US – Willow TV
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Sky Go / Australia – Fox Sports App / US – Willow TV
ENGLAND FORM: HOSTS LACKING SHARPNESS AND EXPERIENCE
England showed their inexperience on Wednesday night and whilst plenty of players got starts chasing 180 to win, nobody could convert it into a substantial score and the hosts ended up losing by 151. A lack of sharpness was also a factor when taking into account the lack of international white ball cricket England have played recently.
LAST FIVE: LLWLW
AUSTRALIA FORM: LOOKING TO MAKE IT FIVE IN A ROW
Australia made it four consecutive victories in Southampton, meaning they are still yet to lose since landing in Great Britain. The bowlers stepped up collectively following a mini batting collapse with all those utilised picking up at least one wicket as they defended 179 relatively comfortably by running through England’s line-up.
LAST FIVE: WWWWL
ENGLAND BETTING ANALYSIS
One big positive for England despite defeat at the Utilita Bowl was seeing Jofra Archer back in an England shirt bowling at his notoriously fast pace. Archer picked up two wickets and the speed he possess will always represent a significant wicket-taking threat for England. With that in mind, the smart play would be backing Archer to record over 1.5 match wickets for the second game running via the ‘Bowler Total Match Wickets’ market.
AUSTRALIA BETTING ANALYSIS
Our analysis on Australia leading up to the first T20i focused on Travis Head and bettors that took heeded our recommendations would’ve profited financially following his 59 from 23 balls, top scoring across the entire match. The Aussie opener took 30 runs off a single over in the powerplay and that freedom of being able to attack when the field is forced up hugely benefits him. Back Head to cash in once again here, scoring 20+ runs via the ‘Batter Milestones’ market.
ENGLAND VS AUSTRALIA EXPERT PREDICTION
Australia showed their class and strength-in-depth across the first game and it won’t be easy for England to match that when taking into account the short turnaround and many of their players still getting to grips with this level of cricket. The bowling attack of Australia, combined with the brutal power they possess up top should see them double their series advantage.
ENGLAND VS AUSTRALIA TIP: AUSTRALIA TO WIN