England v Australia First T20 Tips: Head and Zampa may star

• England may be underrated

• Southampton pitch tough to call

• Hardie could bat higher up

• Zampa worth an interest

England v Australia
Wednesday 11 September 18.30
TV: live on Sky Sports

England v Australia First T20 team news

Australia warmed-up with a clean sweep against the Scots over three games. Their only worry may be the collapse in form from Jake Fraser-McGurk. Cooper Connolly, the Scorcher, is another possibility as opener.

But this also a new broom for the Aussies. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell are not involved. Josh Hazlewood has been added to the squad but he may only play if they feel Aaron Hardie is not required. Xavier Bartlett deserves a run of games.

Probable XI: Fraser-McGurk, Head, Marsh, Green, Inglis, Stoinis, David, Hardie, Abbott, Bartlett, Zampa

England v Australia First T20 pitch report

In the last 23 T20 matches played in Southampton, only ten have busted 165.5 or more. It can be a tricky surface to call, though. Witness Welsh Fire's 181 in the Hundred on a wicket which has otherwise been difficult. We expect the par line to settle at around the mid 170s mark. Given England's batting is experimental, the Aussies may be more reliable to bust it. At a run rate of 9.7, no side has scored faster in the last 12 months. No rain is currently forecast.

England v Australia First T20 match prediction

England are 2.486/4 with Australia 1.664/6. We get why there is a big gap between these sides. It's purely down to personnel. Or rather, England's new breed is considered unproven.

On Blast form, with the obvious caveat this is a step up, the likes of Cox and Bethell have the numbers this year in to suggest they make it.

The Aussie are trying new combinations, too. One suspects there's an old bias at play here that England's young 'uns aren't as good as Australia's. England could well have the ability to get these odds to flip and it's notable that they do boast an established bowling unit which boasts superior economy to their rivals.

England v Australia First T20 player bets

Salt has been boosted to 7/24.50 with Sportsbook but a check on how he's hitting may be wise. Sportsbook have noted Curran's move up the order and go 6s. that's not enough of a tempter. At least there are two top-class Aussies to consider. Travis Head is winning in the 40% range and the 16/54.20 is way too big. We will revisit again if he doesn't win. the brilliant and canny Adam Zampa, two wickets in The Hundred at this venue last term, likewise at the same price.

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