Head To Open, Fraser-McGurk Out; Australia's Strongest XI For Champions Trophy Match vs England

Australia will face England in their 1st Champions Trophy match [Source: AP]

This afternoon, Australia succumbed to yet another ODI defeat, as Sri Lanka defeated them by a whopping margin of 174 runs in the decider of the two-match series. This was Australia's final ODI before the Champions Trophy, where they will play three group-stage matches against top-tier teams. 

It's worth mentioning that Australia are placed in Group B and will face England, South Africa and Afghanistan in the tournament. As they eye resurgence in the showpiece event, let's analyse and find out their strongest playing XI for the opening game against England. 

Who Should Open With Travis Head?

Travis Head should be Australia's first-choice opener, having amassed 1763 runs at a tremendous average of 51.85. However, the Aussies have two options, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short, as Head's potential opening partners.

(ODI records of Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short)

As evidenced by the above stats, Matthew Short has performed slightly better than Jake Fraser-McGurk as a batter in ODIs. Apart from scoring crucial runs at the top order, Short can chip in with a few overs of handy off-spin, thereby empowering Australia with a potent bowling option. 

So, although Jake Fraser-McGurk is immensely talented, Australia should prefer Short over him at least for the first match of the competition. 

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Steve Smith And Marnus Labuschagne Should Bat At 3 And 4

(Smith and Labuschagne's Record At 3 and 4)

In Mitchell Marsh's absence, captain Steve Smith should bat at number three, considering his prolific numbers at that position. As Australia have a slightly vulnerable opening pair, Smith's addition at three definitely solidifies their top order. 

Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne, who didn't play the second ODI vs Sri Lanka, should be slotted at four, given that he has performed impressively in that spot. The gritty duo of Labuschagne and Smith can anchor the innings perfectly, delaying the entry points of the stroke players. 

Allrounders: Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie

With Marcus Stoinis retiring before the Champions Trophy, Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie are the two most suitable all-round options in Australia's Champions Trophy squad. These two players have immense calibre and can help the 2009 edition champions put up a commendable performance in the tournament. 

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Wicketkeeper: Alex Carey

(ODI stats of Josh Inglis and Alex Carey)

Australia have Alex Carey and Josh Inglis as their wicketkeepers. However, they should prefer the former over the latter, considering his superior ODI record and experience. Carey has been Australia's crisis man and could play a huge role for them in lower middle order. 

Bowlers: Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

In the absence of Mitchell Starc, Spencer Johnson should be given the priority over Ben Dwarshuis for the new ball specialist's role. Sean Abbott should be his bowling partner in the powerplay, with Nathan Ellis playing as the third seamer. Adam Zampa is an obvious choice for the lead spinner's role, having bagged 180 wickets in 107 ODI appearances. 

Australia's Strongest XI For 1st Champions Trophy Match vs England

Travis Head, Matthew Short, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (WK), Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

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