*ENGLAND WOMEN VS AUSTRALIA WOMEN 1st ODI IN A 3 MATCH ODI SERIES 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
England keep the Ashes alive, they were sensational all the way and came back strong after going one down already. The last two wins have been nothing short of miraculous and it displayed the insane amount of belief and determination that England had in them to clinch the series. This T20I series win would give the Three Lions women ton of confidence heading into the longer format, the ODIs of this Ashes and also the final round of this highly competitive tour. A positive start here would separate the two sides who now stand with 2 wins each and a chance to seal the series as well.
The pitch is expected to be a batting-friendly surface. The new ball might help the fast bowlers for the first few overs but the wicket will settle down soon to become a very good surface for batting. The Aussies would be eyeing to get off the blocks in a hurry.
The last four ODI matches that have been played between these two sides have all resulted in the Aussies claiming victory, and demolishing the English be it at home or away. With this series expected to be played in England, you’ll expect the hosts to have an edge but the brilliance that the women in yellow possess in this format is unmatchable and unthinkable.
It’s expected to be a cracker of a series with the first one beginning at Bristol.
*ENG PROBABLE XI:*
Sophia Dunkley, Danielle Wyatt, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Heather Knight (c), Amy Jones (wk), Danielle Gibson, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Charlotte Dean, Lauren Bell
Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn had a top run in the T20I series, picking 5 and 4 wickets respectively. The two with the right momentum and form backing them could be lethal vs Australia in the longer format as well.
Nat Brunt scored a mere 55 runs in the three innings she featured in and disappointed the hosts. However, with the ODIs lined up next, it can be a mistake to rule her out of the reckoning. She is very much an accomplished batter in this setup and one of the most experienced as well, this game could well be her chance for redemption and make a case.
My bets are placed on Heather Knight, with truck loads of experience up her sleeves and stats way superior to any other batter in this English lineup. She has often taken the world by storm with her brilliance in this format and tomorrow may just be another day where we witness her heroics as a player. She could not contribute enough in the T20Is which would have been disturbing for her, but a turnaround could just be around the corner.
*AUS PROBABLE XI:*
Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Grace Harris, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
Australia women last played an ODI series against Pakistan women and comprehensively emerged victorious by winning all three games. Despite falling short in their last international series, their recent dominance in this format should give him huge confidence.
Elyse Perry looked supreme and at her vintage best vs England in the shortest format and we could be in for a storm from her end come the ODIs where she is a much superior player. Her stroke play and her ability to get the key breakthroughs is what will keep Australia in the game and make sure they never fall short.
Beth Mooney, the southpaw opened with style, composure and a sense of assurance and she was single-handedly be able to dent England and their hopes. I back her to deliver the right goods again in a game which Australia would look to seal in style. Other than her, my hopes are pinned on a Megan Schutt masterclass who holds the ability to do early damage with the bowl.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR ENG:*
Highest run getter- Heather Knight/Nat Sciver Brunt
Highest wicket taker- Sophie Eccelestone/Sarah Glenn
*FOR AUS:*
Highest run getter- Beth Mooney/Elyse Perry
Highest wicket taker- Darcie Brown/Megan Schutt
*FOR THE GAME:*
AUS W to win