England’s Preview
In the second T20I at Sophia Gardens, Liam Livingstone played a pivotal role, smashing 87 off 47 balls to lead England to a thrilling victory. Chasing a challenging target of 194, England reached the total with six balls to spare. Livingstone formed a vital partnership of 90 runs in just 8 overs with Jacob Bethell (44 off 24), which turned out to be the difference-maker in the match.
Australia had a solid start once again, but it was England’s spinners who brought them back into the game. Livingstone impressed with the ball as well, taking 2 wickets for 16 runs in 3 overs, while Adil Rashid (1/35) controlled the middle overs. Brydon Carse also shone with figures of 2/26.
However, concerns remain for England’s seamers. Sam Curran, Reece Topley, and Saqib Mahmood went for over 12 runs an over, collectively taking only one wicket. This inconsistency from the pacers has been a recurring theme, with Curran having conceded 17.5 runs per over in game one and Topley at an economy rate of 15.
Australia’s Preview
Australia made several changes for game two, with Mitch Marsh (illness), Xavier Bartlett (side strain), and Josh Hazlewood being rested. In came youngsters Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly, and Aaron Hardie. Fraser-McGurk made the most of the opportunity, scoring 50 off 31 in his best T20I performance, while Hardie contributed a useful 20* off 9 balls towards the end of the innings.
Australia’s top order continued to deliver, with contributions from Travis Head (31 off 14), Matt Short (28 off 24), and Josh Inglis (42 off 26). However, their middle order, featuring Marcus Stoinis (2 off 5) and Tim David (1 off 3), once again struggled.
Australia’s bowling, apart from Matt Short (5/25), was ineffective, with all others going for over 9.25 runs per over. Short’s career-best figures reaffirm his position in the Australian T20 side after two standout seasons in the Big Bash.
Squads :
England Squad :
Squad: Phil Salt (C), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Jordan Cox, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Dan Mousley, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Josh Hull, Adil Rashid, John Turner, Reece Topley
Australia Squad :
Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, Tim David, Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa
Key Players for England
- Liam Livingstone
Livingstone has been in exceptional form with both bat and ball. In the last game, he smashed 87 off 47 balls and also contributed with figures of 2/16. His ability to influence the game in both departments makes him a critical player for England. - Adil Rashid
Rashid has been consistent in controlling the middle overs with his leg-spin. He took 1/35 in the second game and has been key in breaking Australia’s momentum. His experience and skill will be vital in England’s plans.
Key Players for Australia
- Josh Inglis
Inglis has been one of Australia’s most reliable batsmen in 2024, with an average of 36 and a strike rate of 162. He scored 42 off 26 in the second game and has maintained a strike rate over 160 in five of his last six innings. - Josh Hazlewood
Returning to the side after being rested, Hazlewood will be crucial in stabilizing Australia’s bowling attack. His precision and ability to take wickets in key moments make him one of Australia’s main threats with the ball.
Liam Livingstone (c) – England
Jacob Bethell – England
Phil Salt – England
Josh Inglis (vc) – Australia
Jake Fraser-McGurk – Australia
Matt Short – Australia
Brydon Carse – England
Aaron Hardie – Australia
Adil Rashid – England
Josh Hazlewood – Australia
Sam Curran – England
Captain: Liam Livingstone
Vice-Captain: Josh Inglis
Match Prediction
Although Australia has been dominant in 2024, with 14 wins from 18 T20 Internationals, England has shown resilience, particularly in the second match with standout performances from Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell. The form of England’s spinners, especially Livingstone and Adil Rashid, has been crucial in keeping Australia’s strong middle order in check. While Australia will benefit from the return of Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Marsh, England’s home advantage, combined with their spin dominance, could give them a slight edge.
If England’s seamers can improve and contain Australia’s explosive top order, they may just edge out a win and clinch the series.
Prediction: Slight edge to England for a victory.
