ENG vs AUS 1st ODI Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Match?

ENG is set to take on AUS in the 1st ODI (X)ENG is set to take on AUS in the 1st ODI (X)

England and Australia are set to lock horns in the first of a five-match ODI series at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, starting on Thursday, September 19.

England: A New Dawn Amidst Challenges

England head into the series with more than a few chinks in their armour. Struggling to find their feet in the 50-over format, they are also missing their regular captain, Jos Buttler, who remains sidelined due to a calf injury.

In his absence, the onus falls on Harry Brook, who will be captaining the ODI side for the first time. The squad also appears somewhat threadbare, with Phil Salt, who led the T20 side in Buttler’s absence, shouldering additional responsibility.

Veteran bowlers Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid will be the linchpins of England’s bowling attack, and their experience will be crucial in keeping Australia's formidable batting lineup in check. All-rounder Liam Livingstone, fresh off a purple patch of form, will anchor the middle order.

England finds itself in a transitional phase, particularly with Brendon McCullum now steering the ship after the sacking of Matthew Mott. Whether this shake-up will breathe new life into the side or add more pressure remains to be seen. England’s new-look side will need to hit the ground running to avoid being swept aside by their rivals.

Australia: Loaded with Firepower and Confidence

Australia, by contrast, comes into this series riding a wave of momentum, boasting a full-strength squad teeming with experience. The return of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Hazlewood and Alex Carey bolsters a side already brimming with talent. However, reports suggest that Maxwell, Starc, and Hazlewood have been hit by illness, which has cast doubts over their fitness ahead of the match.

Young prospects like 19-year-old Mahli Beardman add an exciting dimension to the team, ensuring Australia has both present strength and future promise. Travis Head has been in red-hot form, especially in the T20I series, and will be itching to extend that streak into the ODIs, where he is expected to open the innings. 

Mitch Marsh will once again don the captain’s hat in Pat Cummins’ absence, leading a team that has youthful exuberance with seasoned professionals. Australia, riding high on a 12-match winning streak in ODIs, looks every bit the team to beat.

However, they are likely to rotate their squad during the series, with young players like Cooper Connolly on the verge of making their mark. Australia will be looking to start the series with a bang.

How Will the Trent Bridge Pitch Behave?

Trent Bridge, a venue known for producing high-scoring thrillers, is likely to play a crcuial role in the series opener. Though 2024 hasn’t delivered the avalanche of runs the ground is famous for, the conditions are expected to be bright and conducive to batting.

ENG vs AUS: Predicted Toss Result

Historically, teams chasing have held the upper hand here, winning 25 of the 50 ODIs played, while the average first-innings score sits at 251. The captain who wins the toss may well opt to bowl first.

ENG vs AUS: Players To Watch Out For

England

Batters: Phil Salt, Harry Brook
All-rounders: Liam Livingstone
Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

Australia

Batters: Travis Head, Steve Smith
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell
Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

ENG vs AUS: Match Prediction

ENG vs AUS: Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 275-300
Predicted second innings score: 280-305

Predicted Result: The team bowling first will have an advantage in this match.