David Warner won’t be starting the bowling for England in this match, thanks to their convincing victory over Oman, which ensured against any run-rate antics. The outcome will be straightforward: Scotland wins and advances, while a washout would also suffice, provided Namibia doesn’t pull off an upset against England in the hours before this match.
Scotland does not expect the previous outcome to be helpful. “We always knew this was going to be a must-win game for us and look, it’s a hell of an opportunity for us to go and play really good cricket and take on one of the best in the world,” Leask said.
Australia has appeared to be among the strongest teams in the league, and they will still have a very good starting lineup even if they decide to rest a few players for this match, as was predicted. Still, Scotland have been playing some really good cricket and have a chance to achieve what might become one of their most memorable victories. Qualifying for the Super Eight would also ensure a spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Captain Richie Berrington offers a reassuring and seasoned presence in the middle order, while George Munsey leads a potent top order as they demonstrated against Oman. Against Namibia, he and Leask worked together brilliantly to win the match.
Australia has the luxury of looking ahead to the Super Eight stage, when they will play Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and India. If they so choose, they can change players for this match. Prior to the event, according to Pat Cummins, the goal was to get as many players into a match as possible.
When they played each other last, Australia prevailed by seven wickets in the 2015 ODI World Cup. Leask hoped that may work to their advantage. “It does kind of hold us in a little bit of good stead as well because they don’t know what we’re capable of, given the fact that we’re playing really good cricket at the moment.”
Also read: Michael Jones of Scotland responds to Josh Hazlewood’s contentious remark, saying, “Let David Warner open the bowling.”
Given that Australia is expected to manage a few players, Nathan Ellis looks to be headed for another trip, which translates to three group stage games. His absence against England was a clue that he hasn’t yet cracked the big three, but when he does get the pitch, he plays with remarkable consistency. Ellis’s skilful manner and his terrific yorker provide a nice contrast, however it’s difficult to argue against include one of the other quicks.
In the most recent Twenty20 World Cup in Australia, Mark Watt—a cunning and astute left-arm spinner known for his remarkable 24-yard delivery—came to the attention of spectators due to the notes he had scribbled in his pocket during the match against the West Indies. Although it may be unlikely to happen again against the left-handed opening duo of Warner and Travis Head, he can operate at different stages of an innings and took the new ball against Oman despite being slightly more expensive than is typically the case against Namibia.
Australia has made a solid case for rotation, but it’s unclear who will miss out. Given the tight schedule starting with the Super Eight, it would seem prudent to hold off on sending Mitchell Starc back too soon. Marcus Stoinis may also need to be managed. Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, and Ashton Agar have not yet appeared.
Australia (playing 11):
David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (capt), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis/Cameron Green, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Scotland (playing 11):
George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (capt), Matthew Cross (wk), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Chris Sole, Brad Wheal, Brad Currie`
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