Cricket betting tips: England v Australia ODI predictions, preview and best bets for Headingley

John Pentin secured a profit in the first ODI. Can he repeat his success as England and Australia clash again this Saturday? Read on to find his top tips and predictions for the upcoming action at Headingley.

ODI Series Match 2 | Sep 21, 2024 at 11 am UK at Trent Bridge

England v Australia ODI Predictions

A High-Scoring Affair on the Cards? England and Australia Set for a Run-Filled ODI Series

• Ben Duckett scored 71 off 59 balls and 76 from 92 deliveries against Australia in the last Ashes series, showcasing his ability to handle their bowling attack.
• Duckett has a recent ODI century to his name, having scored 107 off 78 balls against Ireland, highlighting his form in the format.
• Australia have lost their last eight ODIs played without Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood together, underscoring the importance of their full-strength attack.

Best Bet

The upcoming five-match ODI series between England and Australia promises to be an intriguing encounter, with both sides looking to gain momentum ahead of future international fixtures. This series is set against the backdrop of an intense rivalry, with England aiming to bounce back from their disappointing World Cup defence and Australia fielding a strong side despite the absence of some key players. The first game, scheduled to take place at Trent Bridge, has already stirred excitement due to the batting-friendly nature of the venue, as evidenced by England’s record-breaking 481-6 against the Aussies back in 2018.

England’s side will be led by Harry Brook in the absence of regular captain Jos Buttler, who is sidelined with a calf injury. The bookmakers are expecting a challenging series for the stand-in skipper, particularly given England’s recent form and the strength of Australia’s squad, which includes nine players from their triumphant World Cup final team. The likes of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, though not in their best rhythm since the T20 World Cup, are still formidable, while the Australian batting line-up, bolstered by Travis Head’s explosive form, looks primed for high-scoring games.

For those looking to make a calculated bet on this series, Ben Duckett being England’s top run-scorer stands out as the best option. Duckett, set to open the batting for England in ODI cricket for the first time, has shown an impressive run of form recently. His performance against Australia in last summer’s Ashes, where he notched scores of 71 off 59 balls and 76 off 92 deliveries, underscores his capability to handle the Australian bowlers.

Moreover, Duckett’s familiarity with his home ground, Trent Bridge, could prove crucial. He has demonstrated his aptitude on this pitch with a commanding 95-run innings against the same opponents. Such performances are not isolated incidents but are part of a broader pattern of consistency that he has shown over the past year. His 107 not out off 78 balls in a rain-affected ODI against Ireland last September further underlines his prowess in this format.

Duckett’s style of play, characterised by a wide range of attacking shots and the ability to manoeuvre the ball through gaps, makes him a difficult batsman to contain, especially on a pitch like Trent Bridge, which favours shot-making. Australia’s new-ball duo of Starc and Hazlewood have not played much cricket since June’s T20 World Cup, potentially making them susceptible to Duckett’s aggressive approach. Additionally, with Australia missing Pat Cummins and David Warner, the burden on the likes of Starc and Hazlewood will be even greater, possibly leading to lapses that Duckett can exploit.

Furthermore, Duckett’s left-handedness adds an extra dimension, potentially disrupting the rhythm of the Australian seamers who are more accustomed to bowling at right-handed batsmen. Given his form, experience on the ground, and the circumstances surrounding the opposition’s bowling attack, Duckett stands out as a solid bet to top the run charts for England in this series.

Additional Prediction

While Duckett is the favourite, another name to consider, albeit at longer odds, is Will Jacks. The young all-rounder has been making waves with his performances in limited-overs cricket. His recent 62-run knock was a testament to his ability to score quickly and adapt to different match situations, making him a dark horse for England’s top run-scorer.

Jacks brings a fearless approach to his batting, often taking the attack to the bowlers from the outset. This kind of aggressive intent could pay dividends in the high-scoring venues of this series. His innings of 62 came at a brisk pace, and he has shown the capability to build innings even under pressure. Moreover, his versatility and ability to play spin and pace with equal ease could see him accumulate runs across different conditions throughout the series.

Another factor that could play in Jacks’ favour is his position in the batting order. With the top order expected to provide stability, Jacks could be utilised in a more flexible role, either solidifying the middle order or accelerating the scoring towards the end of the innings. Such adaptability is invaluable in the ODI format, where the ability to shift gears can often make the difference between a par score and a winning total.

In conclusion, while Ben Duckett remains the best bet for England’s top run-scorer, Will Jacks presents an intriguing alternative. His recent performances, coupled with his dynamic style of play, make him a worthwhile consideration for those looking to back an outsider in this series.

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