After New Zealand’s win against Sri Lanka, this group seems like a contest for the second semi-final position. If so, Australia and Ireland are in it. Ireland’s victory over England is one of the reasons these two sides are tied on points – Ireland enters this match ahead of the hosts on net run-rate.
It will be just the second T20 match between the two sides after Australia won by seven wickets in 2012. Australia may have five players from that game 10 years ago. Despite England’s loss, Australia will be favourites at the Gabba, but their form is unknown. Marcus Stoinis won against Sri Lanka, but the loss to England raised issues.
The biggest question is whether Steven Smith, who was cut before the tournament, will return. Australia has a power-heavy lineup, but in a competition where the ball is king, Smith’s abilities are crucial.
On a high after beating England, Ireland would have been confident of pushing hard against Afghanistan. Andy Balbirnie thought they were one ball from losing with Moeen Ali playing, but they won. After losing 9 for 54, they will aim to enhance their middle-order batting.
Finch followed Glenn Maxwell’s comments from the previous day by adding such a focus can be dangerous and a position of strength must be achieved before taking advantage of it. In a tight group, it could be crucial.
England against. Australia, 1st T20I, Perth, October 9, 2022.
David Warner got two low scores, but things can change quickly.
Featured
David Warner is 5 for 11 in the competition, but in T20Is since 2019, he has averaged 56.52 with a strike-rate of 144.35. His 89 off 56 balls against West Indies helped Australia advance in last year’s World Cup. Don’t discount a repeat impact.
Josh Little was ESPNcricinfo’s MVP against England after dismissing Jos Buttler and Alex Hales. His left-arm angle has often tormented Finch and is a viable option against Warner, whose lowest T20I average is against left-arm pace. Since 2020, they’ve averaged just 14 and four dismissals, one every 13 deliveries faced.
rumours
It seems probable Australia will keep the same batting order, despite Smith’s inclusion. Adam Zampa would have played against England following Covid, but Matthew Wade tested negative. Finch kept all options open with Cameron Green’s arrival.
Australia (probable) (probable) David Warner, Aaron Finch, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis David Tim Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins 11 Josh Hazlewood, 9 Mitchell Starc.
Ireland wouldn’t change their winning team from the England game unless they needed to boost their spin attack.
Ireland (probable) (probable) Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie (capt), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell. Gareth Delany Adair, Josh Little, Fionn Hand, Barry McCarthy.
Pitch/conditions
The Gabba has decent pace and carry, but the bounce should be genuine, making it a great site to bat despite Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. A late-day shower is possible.
Trivia, stats
Ireland beat UAE by two wickets at the Gabba in the 2015 ODI World Cup. Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirine, and George Dockrell are likely to return.
Kane Richardson has 11 wickets at 7.84 economy in the previous five overs compared to Pat Cummins’ three wickets at 11.66.
Lorcan Tucker has been Ireland’s No. 3 revelation. He averages 37.92 with a 135.06 strike-rate, compared to 11.46 and 104.19 elsewhere.
