*AUSTRALIA WOMEN VS ENGLAND WOMEN 2nd ODI IN A 3 MATCH ODI SERIES 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Australia Women face the heat for the first time on this tour as they take on hosts England Women in the 2nd ODI of the three-match series. England snatched a 2-wicket win in the first game, and now the visitors must win this game to keep hopes alive in the series. Australia Women are undoubtedly the best ODI side in the world, and their recent record proves it. In the last 30 games, they have lost only twice, including the last game's defeat. They will come hard and with the hope of winning every key moment in this game, at the hosts.
Heather Knight will be proud of her players' efforts in the last game. They held their nerves in the most crucial stage of the game to win it and take the lead in the series. The English girls have pressured the Aussies with good shows in the last few games. Knight would look to ride this momentum and seal the series in two straight games.
*AUS PROBABLE XI:*
Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Jess Jonassen, Georgia Wareham, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
The bowling attack has fared poorly in the last few games, and the side will need a strong performance from Darcie Brown and Perry with the new ball. Megan Schutt will be expected to carry on her form from the last game where she chipped in quite nicely.
There is no disputing Alyssa Healy’s power. Owing to her strong hitting and efficient glove work behind the wickets she is the one that Australia would bank upon if they have to level the series with a game remaining.
Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry batted well in the last game, and the side will expect a good show from them here
*ENG PROBABLE XI:*
Heather Knight (c), Sophia Dunkley, Tammy Beaumont, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Danielle Wyatt, Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Kate Cross, Lauren Bell
Sciver is a key player for the hosts because of her aggressive batting style and ability for getting big wickets. She is a major contributor in every game thanks to her consistency. She averages over 50 with 758 runs vs the Aussie women and the edge is certainly in her favour.
Sophie Ecclestone has a superb record in the fifty-over format with 88 wickets from 56 ODIs at 3.72 economy. Though she failed to look threatening in the opener, she’d be eyeing a return later today. Her outstanding numbers backing up her T20I heroics just lifts her confidence to sky high.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR AUS:*
Highest run getter- Alyssa Healy/Elyse Perry
Highest wicket taker- Elyse Perry/Megan Schutt
*FOR ENG:*
Highest run getter- Daniel Wyatt/Heather Knight
Highest wicket taker- Sophie Eccelestone/Kate Cross
*FOR THE GAME:*
Australia to level the series