*ENGLAND WOMEN VS AUSTRALIA WOMEN 2nd T20I PREVIEW- 3 MATCH T20I SERIES 2023*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Australia roared in the first T20I and clicked as a collective unit. They were succesful in restricting England to a mere 153 on a pitch that offered much more and chased it down with a ball to spare. They were clinical in an Ashes W classic as well and haven’t given England any opportunity to take the lead this multi format series. They will be a much happier side who’d love to seal the series win a win at the iconic London.
England, on the other hand, had alot not going their way. Their pro batter Nat Sciver Brunt did not click and their skipper failed to convert her start into a big score. When these two miss out, it’s natural that England are likely to end up with a low score most often than not. The performances from Dunkley and Amy Jones with the bat in hand a collective holding tight job by the bowlers should keep them in good stead as they head out tomorrow to defend their pride and try and level the series which they are on the brink of losing.
*AUS PROBABLE XI:*
Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Grace Harris, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
As predicted, Beth Mooney showed her class against England. She was composed, calculative and clinical with how she approached her innings. Even though Australia finished with just a ball to spare, Mooney’s innings was vital for Australia to reach that milestone. She only bettered the already amazing average that she has against the Three Lions and will once again be a thorn in England’s planning and strategy.
It was very likely that Jonassen emerges out to be the best bowler from Australia and she did not disappoint. With another three-fer pocketed by her, it was a classic case of England falling to her left arm orthodox spin. London favours this bowling type and England would already feel threatened by the difficulties that she is likely to put out, in front. She has the wood over Nat Sciver after game 1 which was a huge moment in the game and it’s one battle that could turn even more fascinating as each game passes by.
Perry had a quite game. She did not bowl even one delivery and departed for a 6 ball 7. Her stocks as a T20 batter are not the same as they used to be earlier and a dip in form has most certainly not helped her cause. She would be raring to go out there and capitalise on her opportunity and deliver the allround package for her side.
*ENGLAND PROBABLE XI:*
Sophia Dunkley, Danielle Wyatt, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight (c), Amy Jones (wk), Danielle Gibson, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Freya Davies, Lauren Bell
Words fall short when i describe the massive impact that Sophie has had on England and how she has been an integral part of their bowling. Even last game, she sent two Aussies back to the pavillion and was at her supreme best- trying everything in her arsenal to help her side defend the score. It comes as no surprise that she will be a key figure in the bowling department once again and the English would bank on her for the nth time.
Out of all the England batters, opener Wyatt never fails to amaze me. She has batted 31 times vs Australia yet has only 2 fifties and a ton against her name and produces a middling average of about 20, which isn’t good enough for any cricketer. Even her career T20I average is 21 which is at best, substandard and not something you’d expect from someone who’s extremely talented and has produced knocks of extreme quality. She’d be hoping to prove critics like me wrong and give a response with her bat. A wounded queen could be just as dangerous and Australia would know it.
England fans would be, undoubtedly, manifesting Sciver Brunt and Heather Knight to join hands and produce a partnership for the ages. They have been ‘that good’ with their batting skills on display over the years that an innings without their contribution seems dull. If either one of them clicks, it’s advantage England and if both click together, Doomsday won’t be near for the women from down under.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR AUS:*
Highest run getter- Beth Mooney/Perry
Highest wicket taker- Jess Jonassen/Megan Schutt
*FOR ENG:*
Highest run getter- Heather Knight/Nat Sciver Brunt
Highest wicket taker- Sophie Eccelestone/ Lauren Bell
*FOR THE GAME:*
Australia W to win again