Australia v England first ODI Tips: Back Root as Aussies reel from sandpapergate latest

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Friday 13 November, 03:00
TV: Sky Sports

Australia v England first ODI team news

Australia are without the Big Three of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood who are not included. If one was being cynical, one might suggest Cricket Australia knew the contents of Usman Khawaja's book, which has reignited the debate about alleged ball-tampering, before naming the squad.

The result, by accident or design, is a bit of a hotch-potch squad. Australia are neither building for the World Cup or undergoing a major revamp. Spencer Johnson, Mahli Beardman and Xavier Bartlett are the main pacers. Adam Zampa is de facto attack leader by dint of experience.

A 2-1 defeat against South Africa saw the Aussies attempt to bat deep with Matt Renshaw at No 7. This trick could be repeated although Renshaw could be swapped out for the likes of Jack Edwards.

The top four is probably settled. Mitch Marsh, the skip, and Travis Head are locked in as openers with Cooper Connolly and Josh Inglis expected to nail Nos 3 and 4. Although Cameron Green could bat anywhere outside of the top two.

Possible XI: Marsh, Head, Connolly, Inglis, Green, Carey, Renshaw, Bartlett, Zampa, Johnson, Beardman

England have been dealt a blow just before the off with the news that Jacob Bethell is out of the series and faces a race against time to be fit for the South Africa Tests next month.

It does mean that Jordan Cox should continue in the middle order and as the gloveman. If Bethell had been fit Cox may have lost out with Tom Banton as the stumper.

The main selection debate will be over whether to recall Adil Rashid. England's main spinner was jettisoned in favour of Liam Dawson for the disastrous tri-series in Pakistan. Both could play if England to decide to go without Jamie Overton or Sam Curran.

Jofra Archer returns to lead the pace attack and he is unquestionably the main man with Josh Tongue missing.

Possible XI: Duckett, Banton, Root, Brook, Cox, Jacks, S Curran, J Overton, Atkinson, Archer, Rashid/Dawson

Australia v England first ODI pitch report 

Unfortunately there is almost no form guide to go on for Perth Stadium in ODI. There have been only four matches played there with a high score of 259.

Only two of those matches were day-night, like this one. Both were won by the chaser but that's noted only out of politeness rather than a trend that has to be taken seriously. There were low-scoring extremes; 140 Australia versus Pakistan, 136 India v Australia in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

Those numbers won't be a huge surprise to followers of the Big Bash. Batting has been tricky at Perth and unders has been the go-to bet. Borrowing that strategy from T20 is not the worst idea in the world. Therefore under 293.5 first-innings runs looks to be a solid option.

Australia v England first ODI match prediction 

These are two poor sides given recent form. Australia were beaten 2-1 in South Africa and had struggles against Zimbabwe. England were miles off it in the tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, incapable of doing anything well.

Indeed, it is hard to pinpoint strengths for these teams as they head into a World Cup year. A look at the win-loss records batting first and second give an insight. Both are in negative equity no matter what they do in the last two years.

Still, England may consider themselves to have a more settled unit. They also benefit from not being distracted by off-the-field matters. Sandpapergate remains an issue for Australian cricket.

To be truthful, it was slightly surprising to see Australia rated as such short favourites. It would make sense if they had their vintage players available but it has more than an experimental feel.

Betfair Sportsbook offer England at even money but the Betfair Exchange has a superior price at 2.1411/10. That is worth taking.

Australia v England first ODI player tips 

Joe Root has not won top bat for England in this format for nine matches. For a man who has a hit rate of 32% in the last two years, to say he is overdue is an understatement.

There are legitimate concerns about betting Root in this market, however. Remember the final game of the tri-series when, on a batting paradise, England didn't even allow him to bat? Their best player was not considered good enough to bat. It is probably a worry for flatter surfaces than this Perth pitch, though.

Betfair Sportsbook offer a boosted 10/34.33 from 3/14.00. If we're on this time we have to make our peace with the fact that we bet him until he wins.

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