Twenty20 / Andrew Hughes / 12 January 2011 /

The first game was an Adelaide thriller that went down to the last ball. Next up is the rematch at the MCG. Andrew Hughes previews the Second Twenty20 International.

Venue and Conditions
The three international Twenty20 games played at this ground have produced a paltry first innings average of 128. However, one of those was a very low scoring affair and the sample size is small, so it is probably best to look to domestic Twenty20 for guidance as to the par score. In ten such matches here, teams average a much healthier 178 on first innings. There doesn't seem to be any particular advantage in batting first or second, unless the threatened thundery showers appear imminent, in which case, the vagaries of the Duckworth Lewis system could come into play.

Team News
Australia are likely to give a chance to young fast bowler James Pattinson, younger brother of England one-cap wonder Darren Pattinson. This will presumably be at the expense of all-rounder Steve O'Keefe, rather than any the front line fast bowling trio of Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson or Shaun Tait.

England have several options, including World Twenty20 hero Michael Lumb, although it is hard to see him getting a game unless Steven Davies drops down the order. Graeme Swann may be due a rest, in which case James Tredwell will come in and both Chris Tremlett and Steven Finn are also options.

Match Odds
Australia's dynamic opening duo of Shane Watson and David Warner had England on the ropes for a while in Adelaide, most notably when Watson smashed Swann's first over for 26 runs. Similarly, England threw away a blazing start with some unnecessarily over-adventurous stroke play. But Paul Collingwood's men have the winning habit and were able to scrape home, needing only four off the last over.

It is surprising then to see that Australia are [1.95] favourites to win the second Twenty20 game with England the slight outsiders. The home side do have match winners in the aforementioned Watson and Warner, not to mention David Hussey and captain Cameron White. But White is an inexperienced international captain and this is a new look team that is not particularly high on confidence and is yet to gel. At the odds, it makes sense to stick with the World Twenty20 Champions at [2.04]

Top Batsman
England have some explosive batsmen in their line-up but Ian Bell is the man in form, his quick-fire 27 from 20 balls in Adelaide setting the tone and showcasing his impressive development in the shorter formats. In his position as opener, he has plenty of time to amass a score and is worth backing at [4.5] or higher.

Aaron Finch has a good Twenty20 record at this his home ground, but is likely to come in too low down the order. Watson and Warner are both solid propositions, but another MCG favourite, David Hussey is the selection. He remains one of the best Twenty20 batsmen in the world and should be backed at [6.5] or better.

Featured Market
In domestic Twenty20, six of the ten games to be played at this ground have produced ten or more sixes. As such, you should consider laying '9 and Under' in the Total Sixes market at [2.1] or lower

Andrew Hughes says: Back England to win at [2.04]

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