THE EDGE: The Edge previews the 1st T20 between ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
England v Australia 1st T20
MATCH OVERVIEW:
Cricket never stops for England as they head straight into a white ball series against Australia on Betdaq Betting Exchange just after their Test series against Sri Lanka. It’s an example of the strength in depth that England have at the moment that they can effectively have a red ball and a white ball squad at the same time and still play to a very high standard. Probably only India could do that, and even then most of their Test stars walk onto the white ball side too. It’s also another example of the cricket calendar being a little too much for the top sides, but given the money involved that’s not going to change.
England were shocked by Sri Lanka in the final Test of the summer, so they are probably delighted to move on to white ball cricket quickly. Australia come here having played three T20’s in Scotland – they were supposed to tour Ireland but with all the problems the Irish board are having, they couldn’t afford to host – Scotland, an associate member, were able to step in. The reality was Australia weren’t really tested; but Ireland have had so many issues lately they were unlikely to be tested there either.
This will be the first white ball series since Brendon McCullum took the job of all-format head coach. He said his main job is to cheer up a “miserable” Jos Buttler – he wasn’t wrong about Buttler being in the horrors lately! It will be interesting do we see any dramatic changes in England’s approach – although obviously given how close this series is to the Test series, they will be without a few players that might get into the best XI. Nevertheless, a fascinating month of cricket awaits between old rivals.
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
We begin the tour at the Rose Bowl, and in general we don’t see many huge scores here in domestic cricket but International cricket hasn’t followed that. It’s a massive outfield, and in general the wicket does get a little two-paced for T20 Blast and the Hundred. We haven’t had a T20 International here since the summer of 2022 – South Africa posted 191/5 to win by 90 runs, before that India scored 198/8 to win by 50 runs. Although the last two International scores have been high – I wouldn’t go into this game expecting a big score.
RECOMMENDED BET:
Australia come into the 1st T20 as the odds on favourites. No surprises there given England’s batting looks a little weak – obviously they have gone with a younger side but it has to be said that the middle order is an unknown for the time being. They need their young allrounders to play well with the bat – especially if they are under pressure early if they lose wickets at the top of the order. I’m going to keep stakes small because it’s the opening game, but Australia look in a much better spot at the moment. I do feel this England squad will improve as the month goes on, but I’m happy with Australia at 1.66 here.
The Edge Says:
One point win Australia to beat England at 1.66 with Betdaq Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/1EngAus
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
It has paid to bat first here in the past in International cricket, and I would definitely give a little edge to the side batting first. Although I would add to that it was better to chase this season in the T20 Blast – there’s a big difference between domestic and International scores here though, so I would still favour batting first. While England have been busy with red ball cricket, you’d have to say the Aussie squad is a little bit more ready for this first game and might catch England cold – I would be against the England middle order with the bat.
