Junction Oval Pitch Report For AU-W vs EN-W 2nd ODI



Junction Oval Pitch Report [Source: @White_Adam/x.com]Junction Oval Pitch Report [Source: @White_Adam/x.com]

It’s all set to go down at the Junction Oval in Melbourne as Australia Women lock horns with England Women in the second ODI of the three-match series on Tuesday, January 14. While the Aussies are riding high after clinching a comfortable win in the first game, England will be itching to even the score and keep the series alive.

Australia Women came out guns blazing in the first ODI, showing why they’re one of the most dominant sides in women’s cricket. Led by skipper Alyssa Healy, who smashed a classy 70, and Ashleigh Gardner, who was unstoppable with both bat and ball, the Aussies looked like a well-oiled machine.

On the other hand, England Women failed with the bat, folding for a modest 204, despite some resistance from Heather Knight, Danielle Wyatt Hodge, and Amy Jones. Their bowlers tried hard with Lauren Filer and Sophie Ecclestone picking two wickets each, but defending such a low total was always going to be a mammoth task.

As we gear up for the second ODI, let’s take a closer look at what the Junction Oval pitch might serve up and the players who could make all the difference.

Junction Oval Stats And Records In ODI

Criterion
Data
Matches Played9
Matches Won Batting First2
Matches Won Bowling First6
Average 1st Innings Score172
Average 2nd Innings Score156


Junction Oval Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The Junction Oval has been known to keep bowlers interested early on, especially the seamers who get some movement in the morning. But as the game progresses, it’s a batter’s track. The ball comes onto the bat nicely and makes stroke play easier.

Historically, teams chasing have enjoyed more success here. Out of the eight matches played, six have been won by sides batting second. With an average first-innings score of 172, anything above that could be competitive, but don’t rule out a high-scoring chase if the batters get going.

Players To Watch Out For At Junction Oval

Annabel Sutherland

Annabel Sutherland is proving to be a key player for Australia, and her all-round ability was on display in the last game where she picked up two crucial wickets.

In her last 10 matches, she’s amassed 355 runs at an average of 59.17 and a strike rate of 96.73. Whether with the bat or the ball, she’s someone who can change the game in the blink of an eye.

Tammy Beaumont

England’s batting mainstay, Tammy Beaumont, might not have had the best outing in the first ODI, falling cheaply for 13.

But with 439 runs in her last 10 games at an average of 62.71, she’s in stellar form. If England is to put up a fight, Beaumont needs to bring her A-game to the table.

Ashleigh Gardner

The star of the first ODI, Ashleigh Gardner was a nightmare for England with both bat and ball. Her two wickets with the ball and 42* with the bat sealed the game for Australia,

She has snagged 19 wickets in the last 10 matches at a miserly economy of 3.86, which makes her a genuine match-winner. Expect her to be in the thick of things yet again.

P.S: Keep an eye on Alyssa Healy, Kim Garth, Sophie Ecclestone, and Lauren Filer, as they could be game-changers in this clash.