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Aussies out and Oman hopeless
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Renshaw to return for Australia
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Oman have struggled versus pace
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Openers the only guaranteed protagonists
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Australia v Oman - Back Head/Marsh to hit a 6 each @ 6/52.20
Australia v Oman
Friday, 13:30
TV: live on Sky Sports
It is perhaps fitting that a damp squib of a first group phase ends with the underwhelming Australians facing off against Oman, who by some distance were the worst Associate team. It's another dead rubber in a final round of matches which have been the same. It has not been a great look for the ICC, particularly as India's power has reduced the governing body to nothing more than an event organiser. And it can't even get that right.
Australia being knocked out with a game to spare is the sort of outcome the ICC are desperate to avoid with this set up. But their ignominious exit has at least made for plenty of interest. They are trying to avoid a third-straight loss.
In order to do so, Matt Renshaw, their best batter, is likely to be recalled. Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell are the candidates to make way. Spinner Matt Kuhnemann could come in for all-rounder Cooper Connolly who has been a disaster.
The Pallekele surface has looked good for batting and there may be something restorative in the Aussies batting first and attempting to go big. An insight into their mindset, however, could be on show if they win the toss. A nervous Australia may well decide to chase given the dew factor.
Trying to find a wager is a nerve-wracker because Oman have not been competitive. There is a clue in terms of losing nine wickets to the pace trio of Zimbabwe and three to Josh Little. The rangy pacer with bounce is in the game it appears. Nathan Ellis would fit the bill to have a good game, then.
There is a worry that he might not get his full quota of overs. but the same concern could be raised about every Aussie. Will Tim David get a bat? Could there be few wickets left for Adam Zampa? We pays our monies we takes our choice.
Ellis is [13/5] for most Australia wickets with Sportsbook. That has appeal. Alternatively, dutching Mitch Marsh and Travis Head for top Aussie bat is an option. They are the only two guaranteed Australians to get maximum opportunity to bat. It could be that there is a very low target to chase given Oman's batting frailties. Marsh is 7/24.50 and Head 3/14.00. Sportsbook offer 6/52.20 that both Marsh and Head hit a six, which is possibly the most straightforward bet of all.
Back Marsh/Head to each hit a 6