Australia recently won Women's T20 World Cup [Source: Twitter]
On Saturday, England Women will take on their Australian counterparts in the first T20I of the three-match series. The high-voltage face-off is scheduled at the iconic Edgbaston stadium in Birmingham. Earlier, both teams clashed in a solitary Test match, which Australia Women won comprehensively by 89 runs.
Team Preview: England Women
England Women in action [Source: Twitter]
Led by Heather Knight, England Women have a formidable batting lineup, studded with Danielle Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver and Amy Jones. Apart from these big names, skipper Knight and all-rounder Alice Capsey are pretty much capable of winning matches on their own.
Talking about their bowling unit, the likes of Issy Wong and Kate Cross can make the new ball talk, with Sophie Ecclestone, the best tweaker going around, set to spearhead their spin department.
So, considering the kind of lineup they have, we expect the English Women to put up a better fight than they did in the Test match.
Team Preview: Australia Women
On the other hand, Australia Women will be led by veteran keeper-batter Alyssa Healy in regular skipper Meg Lanning's absence. Their batting department looks rock-solid, having the likes of Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney and Grace Harris. Furthermore, the presence of an all-rounder like Ashleigh Gardner gives them an invincible look on paper.
Similarly, the Australian pace unit comprises the experienced Megan Schutt alongside Darcie Brown and Annabel Sutherland. Meanwhile, wily spinner Jess Jonassen can weave her magic if she gets any assistance off the Edgbaston deck.
Therefore, Australia women will start as outright favourites to win this face-off.
Match Details
Date & Time: July 1, 11.00 PM IST
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network & Sony LIV App
Pitch Report
The surface at Edgbaston in Birmingham is expected to favour the batters, with the average run rate at the venue reading 8.73 in men's T20Is. However, with the surface being slightly on the drier side, bowlers with deceptive cutters and slow balls might get a bit of grip here. So, if a dry track is dished out, the toss-winner might opt to bat first.
Probable Playing XIs
England Women: Danielle Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver, Heather Knight (C), Amy Jones (WK), Sarah Glenn, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Issy Wong, Lauren Bell
Australia Women: Alyssa Healy (C/WK), Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Annabel Sutherland, Jess Jonassen, Darcie Brown, Alana King, Megan Schutt
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Amy Jones, Beth Mooney
Batters: Danielle Wyatt, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris
All-Rounders: Ellyse Perry, Nat Sciver, Ashleigh Gardner, Alice Capsey
Bowlers: Sophie Ecclestone, Jess Jonassen
Captain: Ashleigh Gardner
Vice Captain: Nat Sciver
Prediction
Considering the strength of both teams, we expect Australia Women to emerge victorious in this match.
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