#Australia – Page 2

England Avoid Humiliation after a Spell-bound Affair at Sydney Cricket Ground

England would be astonished that they deferred Aussies a victory. Aussies were looking in full control that too till the last ball, yet England attained a draw which would be remembered for Ages. As of now England would be relieved that 2006-07 & 2013-14 feat (*5-0 white-wash) won’t be attained by Aussies.

SNAPSHOT: James Anderson & Stuart Broad took England home (Draw) after a hard-fought Match.

Aussies had won the toss & elected to bat first. Rain intervened a lot on the 1^st Day of Test Match. For the first time Australia’s top-order was exposed as the likes of Warner, Harris, Smith & Labuschagne were back in the dressing room, while the score was 242-5. Usman Khawaja came into the team as Travis Head had tested positive for Covid-19.

SNAPSHOT: Usman Khawaja playing a pull shot & getting his eye in after a long gap of Cricket.

On Day 2 Khawaja made the most of the opportunity & rescued Australia’s ship by smashing a century. He scored 137 runs in 200 deliveries. It was looking as if Khawaja was a regular part of team. His calmness & composure was spot on. For England the presence of Khawaja proved to be a surprise package as Khawaja had played his last test match in 2019 Ashes. Khawaja got ample support from the rest of the batters. Australia declared after posting a mammoth 1^st innings total of 413-8.

SNAPSHOT: Usman Khawaja delighted after Scoring a Hundred.

“The Old Horse” Stuart Broad proved his mettle by picking up a 5 wicket haul. This was the first time where an England bowler took 5 wickets in 7 innings. Broad was looking determined as ever as there were no freebies. England’s bowlers looked dedicated as getting rid off top-order quickly sensed that England are heading in the right direction.

SNAPSHOT: Stuart Broad pumped up & reignited old rivalry with David Warner.

England came out to bat & went unscathed (* 5 overs before day’s play) which was surprising given the history of openers in Series. On Day 3 Aussies continued their domination & dragged England to 36-4. It was looking that this Test Match would end quickly, then Ben Stokes & Johnny Bairstow came.

SNAPSHOT: Johnny Bairstow & Ben Stokes keeping an eye on scoreboard & one on the bowlers.

It was understood that Bairstow’s career as a red ball cricketer would be finished. He just went into attacking mode as he scored a barnstorming century of 113 runs in 158 balls. His celebration was evident that he is still an integral part of the Team.

SNAPSHOT: Johnny Bairstow thrilled after notching up 100 runs & saving his Test Career.

Even Stokes was looking threatening but he was foxed by the craftiness of Nathan Lyon. Stokes contributed 66 runs in 91 balls to England’s Scoreboard. The dismissal of both the batters meant that Aussie got a lead. England were bowled out for 294 runs. Aussies got a lead of 122 runs.

SNAPSHOT: Ben Stokes playing a shot through covers/off side & looking ominous.

Australia’s hero/wicket-taker with the ball was none other than Scott Boland. He took 4 wickets & was as immaculate as ever with the line & length. Mitchell Starc was taken to the cleaners & he looked a bit drained in his spells. There were instances where catches where dropped by Alex Carey, slip fielders & Marnus Labuschagne.

SNAPSHOT: Scott Boland continuing his purple patch from 3^rd Test Match.

On Day 4 once again the top-order failed to score size-able runs. The score was 86-4. Usman Khawaja made a solid case for himself as he smashed a turbulent century of 101 runs in 138 balls. The peculiarity of Khawaja’s knocks this time was that he played according to the conditions.

SNAPSHOT: Usman Khawaja ecstatic after scoring twin centuries in SCG.

Khawaja scored his 2^nd Century of Test Match & made a strong case for the upcoming Asian Test Tours (Pakistan, Sri Lanka & India). Both the dug-outs lauded Khawaja’s performance as he was at his best. He along with Cameron Green ruined England’s chances of making a come-back. Green played a flamboyant knock of 74 runs in 122 balls. Aussies declared on 265-6 & posted a total of 388 runs for Britishers.

Lack Leach made the most of the turning tracks as he took 4 wickets. The rest of the bowlers were bowling on foot-marks which made the batting extremely difficult. Overall, the bowlers were spot on. Khawaja & Green made the bowlers to bowl according to their strengths.

SNAPSHOT: Jack Leach enthralled after bamboozling the “Greatest of all Time” Steven Smith.

In response to 388 target (*Day 4) England once again went wicket-less in dressing room as they scored 30 runs in 11 overs. Attaining target looked plausible as scoring 358 runs in 3 sessions is a bit unrealistic. Both the openers in this Test Match blunted the new ball which made the task easier for the rest.

On Day 5 England’s batters showed a lot of character. Pat Cummins the skipper was grinding for each & every wicket as this time England were staunch in their defense. Cummins would be unhappy as his strike bowler Mitchell Starc’s wicket-column was empty. Not only he was wicketless but he also gave away runs with an economy of more than 3.5. Starc’s inability of taking a wicket proved to be a decisive factor.

SNAPSHOT: Mitchell Starc looking grumpy because of Stokes’s resistance.

SNAPSHOT: Pat Cummins the skipper tried everything for a victory through attacking mindset.

This Test Match was played with a lot of things under scanner as Aussies wanted to dominate while England wanted to prove a point. England would be grinning that they defied the odds, this Australian team looks similar to the Legendary Ricky Ponting’s & Michael Clarke’s team.

England found a lot of positive aspects as Ben Stokes (“Mr. Incredible” termed by his mates) got back into his groove & Johnny Bairstow saved his place by cracking up a hard -fought century. This time pacers toiled & showcased results which was optimum. England now needs to take one more step ahead & win the TEST Match at Hobart which would be the proper way to sign off. All in all, England looks back on track in Test Cricket

Aussies have a habit of finding replacements quickly. Cameron Green has some shades of the Legendary Shane Watson. They have the pedigree of All-rounders which makes them invincible & challenging. The Top 2 World Class batters of Australian line up haven’t scored a century till now (*8 innings) which augurs a lot about Australia’s Camaraderie on & off the field.

Pat Cummins & Joe Root face off; Ashes Rivalry set to be Reignited

Overview

Ashes is a Gripping Rivalry which keeps the Cricketing Fraternity & the entire Globe thrilled. England & Australia are the only 2 Nations for whom Test Cricket is Pinnacle, as this Rivalry is Ancient which got started way back in 1882-83. Australia has had the wood over England where Aussies have retained the “Urn” 38 times whereas England 33 times. Ashes is mouth watering as England’s ‘Barmy Army’ pressurizes the Mighty Aussies via witty statements & sometimes smirky remarks, in 2019 Ashes Barmy Army brutally trolled Smith, Warner & entire Cricket Australia (CA) for their ball tampering saga.

SNAPSHOT: Pat Cummins & Joe Root booming with a Smile as the Greatest Rivalry Resumes

Australia

Australia have taken a bold decision to give leaderhip duties to Steven Smith (*as a deputy) & made the No.1 fast bowler Pat Cummins as the Skipper. Cummins is the first fast bowler to captain Australian Test team in the last 65 years. Deceased Ray Lindwall was handed a one match captaincy in India in 1956 which makes him the only specialist fast bowler of Australia to captain in TESTS.

Cummins inclusion as a skipper means that Australia can’t rest him. Cummins hasn’t missed a single test Match since 2018 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. CA have gone backwards as they have recalled Usman Khawaja back into the frame. Khawaja is the only batter present apart from Smith who was a part of an excruciating Ashes 2010-11 Campaign where England had outclassed Australia by 3-1. 2010-11 Ashes was a Historical Feat as Britishers won Test Series in Australia after 24 years. Khawaja & Smith have seen the agony of a shambolic performance which makes their presence invaluable (*Khawaja is not named in playing 11 for 1^st Test Match).

SNAPSHOT: Apart from Labuschagne the duo of Smith & Khawaja is pivotal

Australia should take a leaf out of 2013-14 & 2017-18 Ashes performance as their prowess is to bowl out England. The pitches of Australia aren’t that spicy as compared to England, bowlers need to toil a lot to squeeze a wicket. The role of Nathan Lyon becomes critical as more often than not he is under the pump as other bowlers most likely won’t get productive results. Australia know that one brutal spell of Starc can create havoc for England as ECB’s (England Cricket Board) Intolerant approach towards racism is under scanner.

Playing 11: David Waner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (Wk), Pat Cummins (c) , Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

England

ECB have shown faith in skipper Joe Root as earlier he failed to retain the Urn, in 2017-18 Ashes & 2019 (in England where the series was levelled by 2-2). Joe Root so far has a prolific year with the bat where he has amassed 1,455 runs where he has scored 6 centuries. Root has been the one man army so far for England where he has scored the bulk of runs. Root would be blostered by the presence of Stokes who not only bowls but provides a complete package of a Cricketer.

SNAPSHOT: Joe Root in 2021 having a dream run as runs are accumulating at large scale.

England once again are with a new bunch of openers in the form of Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed & Rory Burns which has now become a funny template. Jonny Bairstow would be gutted to show that he still has the passion for Test Cricket because the selectors have ignored him blatantly in the past 1 year (*Ollie Pope has pipped him for 1^st Test Match). The duo of Stuart Broad & James Anderson would be banking on their 2010-11 feat; as they are the only Cricketers who were a part of that Momentous Achievement (* Anderson according to management is rested for 1^st Test Match to focus on work-load)

SNAPSHOT: James Anderson & Stuart Broad would hope that they rip off Australia’s line up.

England would be eager to stamp their authority as their last 2 tours at Australia were a nightmare; in 2013 they were got whitewashed & in 2017-18 they avoided an embarrassment in the form of 0-4. England are high on batting line up but that doesn’t mean that they should throw away their starts. England have a golden chance to deepen CA nemesis as once again their culture is under spotlight.

Playing 11: Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c) , Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (Wk), Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Jack Leach

The 1^st Test Match is scheduled at The Gabba, Brisbane. India in 2021 had breached Gabba Fortress after 32 years that too by a second string team. England would be Roaring & would hope that they would shell-shock Australia again as the 1^st Test Match will determine their fate.

Last 4 Ashes Series Down Under (*Australia as Hosts) :

2006-07	Australia won	5-0
2010-11	England won	3-1
2013-14	Australia won	5-0
2017-18	Australia won	4-0

2013-14 Ashes was considered to be a riveting contest as England had the former Skipper Sir Alastair Cook, Swashbuckling Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell & a lot of puissant members, yet Australia buried them.

The same applied for 2010-11 Ashes as the Legendary Former Captain Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Simon Katich & Co were bruised as the Dynamic England handed Kangaroos 3 inning defeats.

#Past 4 series gives us a clear cut indication that making a comeback & winning Ashes in Australia is literally impossible no matter who is in your team.

Keys for Winning/Retaining Ashes

The Task is cut out for England, they have to dominate Australia from the word go. Ben Stokes holds the key as his bowling can be a decisisve factor. If Stokes can squeeze out 2-3 wickets in a Test Match then England would be in the Driver’s seat. 300 odd runs would mean that they are giving Australia a straight-forwward chance.

Australia once again are back to the drawing board. They need to show the fire as England’s pacers are also too hot. Aussies have a bad habit of falling like a pack of cards which should be avoided, as scoring 3 runs per over is decent. The rookie Cameron Green’s role is crucial as he is the only recognized bowling option after the quartet.

Predicted Winner

Australia looks ominous to retain the Ashes & win the Series. Bad times for Aussies don’t last long as the recent testimony is of Ashes 2019, after 18 years Australia had retained Ashes in England. This doesn’t mean that it was a cake walk as there were horrendous times for Oz’s, yet that didn’t hampered them.

Preview of Ashes 2021-22 by Varad Vaichal:

Mitchell Marsh & David Warner Ravaged New Zealand to Clinch Australia’s Maiden T20 World Cup Triumph

Australia ended a long hiatus of T20 World Cup Silverware. The emotions of all the Aussie players were seen as this time the Cricketers were having tears of joy. Australia would be booming with confidence as no one expected them to win the elusive trophy.

Skipper Aaron Finch & Team Members Cherishing the Moment of becoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021 Champions

Australia had won the toss & elected to bowl first. Bowling first was an obvious choice considering the dew factor. Tim Seifert played in the place of Devon Conway who unfortunately had a freaky injury. Australia had an unchanged playing 11 as they didn’t want to disturb the balance of the team.

New Zealand were cautious with the bat. Martin Guptill was dropped on 10 by Wade on the bowling off Glenn Maxwell in the 3^rd over. There was a setup for the Lethal Daryl Mitchell from Josh Hazelwood who irked him by bowling immaculate lines. New Zealand had a mediocre power-play as they scored a mere 32 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. This was New Zealand’s lowest power-play score in the Tournament.

Kane Williamson & Martin Guptill didn’t play with fire; as surprisingly there was a tinge of grass on the wicket which was enough for bowlers to capitalise on it. Aaron Finch was marshalling his troops at his best by drying up the boundaries; as at the end of 10 overs New Zealand had struck only 6 boundaries which consisted of 5 fours & 1 six and scored 57 runs. Kane Williamson was itching as he was aware of the fact that a score of 130-140 runs was unacceptable.

: Kane Williamson & Martin Guptill rotating the strike due to the nature of wicket

Kane Williamson took a bold decision as he targeted Mitchell Starc. In the 11^th over Kane Williamson was dropped on 21 by Josh Hazlewood on the bowling off Mitchell Starc. Kane got a life & he made sure that Aussie would rue it. Martin Guptill was struggling to time the ball as he was undone the variation of Adam Zampa (*Guptill scored 28 runs in 35 balls).

Kane took calculative risk & pummelled Starc, Maxwell & every bowler through crafty shots. In the 16^th over Kane Williamson had scored 22 runs against Starc.

Kane Williamson toying with the bowling of Mitchell Starc as Starc looks crestfallen

Josh Hazlewood the man with the golden arm dented Kiwi’s onslaught as he got rid of Kane Williamson in the 18^th over (*Score was 149-4 at the end of over) by bowling a cunning knuckle ball. Kane stood out as a one-man army as he smashed 85 runs in 48 balls including 10 fours & 3 sixes.

SNAPSHOT: Kane Williamson playing an audacious shot against the Giants of Fast Bowling.

At the back-end James Neesham & Tim Seifert posted a formidable target of 173 runs. This was the highest total in the history of T20I World Cup. Mitchell Starc got bashed as he gave away eye-boggling 60 runs in his 4 over spell. The pick of the bowlers was Josh Hazlewood who took 3 wickets & gave away 16 runs in his spell. The bowlers had a topsy-turvy day as the final 10 overs yielded 115 runs.

SNAPSHOT: Josh Hazlewood proved to be a wicket-taking option.

In response to 173 target Trent Boult got rid off Aaron Finch cheaply. Once again, the duo of Mitchell Marsh & David Warner was at the crease. In the 4^th over Mitchell Marsh went into beast mode as he smashed a six on the very first ball of Adam Milne; he made a statement that he means business. There was a complete assessment done by both the batters. Australia scored 43 runs in the power-play overs.

The duo of David Warner & Mitchell Marsh playing smart & sensible Cricket

It was expected that Ish Sodhi & Mitchell Santner would be the nemesis for Aussies; but David Warner & Mitchell Marsh didn’t allow them to settle. Marsh took care of Santner whereas Warner dismantled Sodhi. All of a sudden Australia were cruising as they scored 39 runs off 4 overs (*2 overs a piece from each spinner).

The equation for Australia was pretty simple as they required 91 runs to win in 10 overs. The introduction of James Neesham weakened Kiwi’s chances as the stroke-play & hitting was a spellbound. Warner smashed his half century in 51 balls & made a statement that he is not finished yet.

SNAPSHOT: David Warner anchoring the run chase by playing eclectic brand of Cricket.

It was looking like a Cake Walk as Aussies required 67 to win in last 8 overs. In the 13^th over Trent Boult reignited the finale by castling David Warner’s stumps. Warner constructed the run-chase as he scored 53 runs in 38 balls.

In the 14^th over Mitchell Marsh worsened Ish Sodhi’s figures & New Zealand’s chances furthermore as Sodhi conceded 16 runs. Mitchell Marsh scored the fastest half century in 31 balls in the History of T20 World Cup Final. Ish Sodhi had a forgettable World Cup finale as he gave away 40 runs in 3 overs.

Mitchell Marsh plundering Ish Sodhi & taking Australia closer to Victory

The pendulum shifted quite quickly from New Zealand to Australia. Australia required 48 in 6 overs. Glenn Maxwell got promotion as he was batting ahead of Steven Smith. He took pressure off Mitchell Marsh as he too deepened the agony. Kane Williamson was seen helpless as his bowlers were getting demolished.

Glenn Maxwell wrapped up the game by his typical switch hit as Australia got the crown of T20 World Cup Champions. Australia chased down the target by 8 wickets with 1.1 overs remaining. Maxwell’s knock was a supporting as he scored 23 runs in 16 balls. Mitchell Marsh was the chief of the Run Chase as he scored 77 runs in 50 balls which consisted of 6 fours & 4 sixes. David Warner’s knock was of utmost important as he didn’t allow the game to drift away.

Mitchell Marsh & team members are Jubilant as Australia finally won T20 World Cup

Trent Boult was the only pick of the bowlers who took 2 wickets & gave away 18 runs. New Zealand would be shell-shocked as Aussies hammered them. Throughout the tournament New Zealand’s bowling clicked but at the last junction they succumbed to the pressure. Kane Williamson should be proud of his team & of himself as he is continuing one of the greatest legacies.

Australia have silenced all the experts regarding bubble life & rotation policy. It is often said that the team which stays together & plays together only wins which now can’t be said. The Credit must go to the Head Coach Justin Langer who has faced a lot of criticism for team’s failure in the last 6-8 months.

Smiling Justin Langer has become a T20 World Cup Winning Coach

David Warner was ecstatic as he silenced the entire Cricketing World as many experts had written him off. David Warner was awarded as the Player of the Tournament as he amassed 289 runs. David Warner is the architect behind the Triumph as his brand of Cricket was Versatile.

Mitchell Marsh’s presence at the top of the order made the difference as he took the responsibility of finishing the matches. The only positive which Australia had from the tours of Caribbean & Bangladesh was Mitchell Marsh. In the last 6 months he has played like a Warrior.

Australia & New Zealand Tussle for their Maiden T20 World Cup Trophy

Australia & New Zealand have been the underdogs at the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The onus was completely on the likes of India, England, West Indies & Pakistan who failed on the given day. Australia got their star players back at the 11^th hour; whereas New Zealand emphasized on the process by entrusting tyro players.

T20 World Cup 2021: Sunil Gavaskar picks his favorite between Australia and New Zealand — SNAPSHOT: Aaron Finch & Kane Williamson

Journey

Aussies & Kiwis journey throughout the tournament was very tough. Australia had placed in a precarious group which consisted of: South Africa, England, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & West Indies. Each & Every game of Australia was a literally do-or-die. They vanquished all the teams except England who buried them alive. The victory against Pakistan in the Semi Final has raised a lot of eye-brows. Australia is finding match-winners at 11^th hour too in the form of Matthew Wade & Marcus Stoinis.

New Zealand were placed in a comfortable group yet challenging. They faced Juvenile & Champion Teams. New Zealand’s opening defeat against Pakistan made their task a bit complicated. New Zealand virtually & literally ended hopes of a billion people by decimating India on 31^st October. New Zealand played last 3 matches on alternate day (*3^rd, 5^th & 7^th November) at 3 different venues: Dubai, Sharjah & Abu Dhabi. New Zealand overcame the heat & humidity & eventually at the end of the day they made it to the Semis. The mighty Kiwis Walloped England with an unknown duo of Daryl Mitchell & Devon Conway. New Zealand are proving to be the silent yet resounding Performers at the World Stage.

History at T20I’s

Australia has the wood over New Zealand in T20I’s where they have won 9 matches out of 14. New Zealand have won 4 whereas 1 match was tied.

New Zealand’s last 3 wins against Australia have come in their home season of 2020-21. New Zealand had won the 5 T20I Match Series by 3-2 (February-March 2021). The likes of Steven Smith, David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Patrick Cummins & Josh Hazlewood were the notable absentees from that tour; all of these were expected to play a Test Series in South Africa (March) which Cricket Australia (CA) later cancelled citing Covid-19 Concerns at South Africa.

Head-to-Head at ICC T20 World Cups

Aussies & Kiwis have clashed only once in ICC T20 World Cup. In T20 World Cup 2016 Australia & New Zealand were placed in a group along with Pakistan, Bangladesh & India.

The match was played at Dharamshala, India. It was a tight contest in which New Zealand scrapped out a victory by 8 runs. New Zealand’s team had set a target of 143 runs. In that T20 World Cup Australia made a type of blunder by making Warner a middle order batter. The wrecker-in chief for New Zealand was Ish Sodhi who took 4 wickets for 14 runs in his spell.

The Black Caps have got the majority of bowlers present from that victory: Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Michell Santner which is an alarming sign for the Courageous Aussies. The Aussies have got the core of batters which will make the final a spicy contest.

Matchups

New Zealand have a huge concern as Devon Conway has injured his right hand by punching the bat in frustration after getting out against England. Conway’s absence has left a huge hole in the batting line-up as he has taken the team out of mud. Tim Seifert the swashbuckling wicket-keeper batter looks a likely replacement. The skipper Kane Williamson has not fired yet & most importantly New Zealand’s armor is their bowling not batting.

NZ's Devon Conway Ruled Out of 2021 T20 World Cup Final & India T20Is — SNAPSHOT: Devon Conway got injured by punching the bat.

Australia won’t make any sort of changes unless there is an unexpected injury/tactic. ‘The Big Show’ Glenn Maxwell has had a dismal tournament so far as he has scored 36 runs only. Aaron Finch too has been quiet with the bat.

Glenn Maxwell: A big, fat no show | ICC T20 World Cup 2021 — SNAPSHOT: Glenn Maxwell has had a forgettable T20 World Cup so far.

In 2010 England had dethroned Australia for T20 World Cup Triumph. There are only 2 Cricketers present from that match which are: Steven Smith & David Warner. Both of the Cricketers had seen the pain of losing the final.

Pitch & Conditions

Toss has been a huge factor as teams winning the toss have won most Matches at Dubai. A score of 160-170 is par. Teams should aim to score at-least 180-200 runs as the scoreboard pressure keeps haunting the team batting second. New Zealand & Australia both chased down targets of 167 (*Abu Dhabi) & 177 runs with an over left.

Toss Factor in ICC T20 World Cups Final

In 6 T20 World Cups a total of 5 teams (India 2007, England 2010, West Indies 2012, Sri Lanka 2014, West Indies 2016) won the World Cups by winning the toss. Only Sri Lanka failed to take advantage of winning the toss in 2009 T20 World Cup.

Teams defending have won 2 times: India & West Indies (2012)
Teams chasing have won 4 times: Pakistan (2009), England, Sri Lanka, West Indies

This is an indication that batting second is a favorable option. In case of Australia & New Zealand it won’t be applicable as both teams have got good bowling line up. We can be in for a 2007 or 2012 type of finale.

Keys to Win T20 World Cup

New Zealand have a slight advantage over Australia. Australia had succumbed to spin in their Semi Final where Shadab Khan had took 4 scalps. The nemesis of Ish Sodhi is due to haunt Australia as his 4 overs are invaluable. Ish Sodhi’s 4 overs would be decisive New Zealand would like to make a statement that they are no longer underdogs.

Australians know how to win Championships except T20 World Cup. This is the golden chance for Australia to showcase that they still are the Reining Champions of World Cricket. Australia have only one spin bowler Adam Zampa & his role is pivotal. Glenn Maxwell has to be spot on his line & length as his 2 overs are also enough to change the momentum. 5th bowler (Mitchell Marsh & Glenn Maxwell) overs should be wrapped up as quickly possible as New Zealand would try to target it.

Expected WINNER

Australia is the Favorite to win T20 World Cup because they have developed a fear factor amongst opponents like of 90s & 2000s.

New Zealand would believe that they will sneak out a victory but the wealth of experience of Aussies will undo them.

Jos Buttler Decimated Aussie Bowlers as England Walloped Australia to make it 3 wins out of 3

England thrashed Australia by 8 wickets at Dubai. There was absolute Carnage as Jos Buttler & Co chased down the target of 126 runs with 50 balls left (8.2 overs). England now have a far superior NRR (Net Run Rate) of +3.948.

T20 World Cup 2021, ENG vs AUS (Super 12): England registers 8-wicket win to stay in pole position for semis — SNAPSHOT: David Warner lauding Jos Buttler for his Stupendous Knock

England had won the toss & elected to bowl first. Australia put on an average performance by setting a target of 126 runs. Jos Buttler & Jason Roy negotiated pace bowling for the first 2 overs as the score was 13 runs.

Live Score Australia vs England T20 World Cup Today's Match Latest Updates: Roy, Buttler Off to Solid Start - News18 - Zimbabwe Focus | ZimFocus News — SNAPSHOT: Jason Roy & Jos Buttler toying with Australia’s bowlers.

Then both went into ultra attacking mode especially Buttler as England scored 66 runs in the power-play overs. This is the highest power-play overs score in this T20 World Cup. Earlier on 28th October Australia had scored 63 runs against Sri Lanka. Buttler didn’t feared Mitchell Starc as he smacked him for 2 consecutive sixes in the 6th over. Buttler smashed one six at the sight-screen & the other one at long on as he showed how to tackle fast bowlers.

ENG vs AUS Highlights, T20 World Cup 2021: Jos Buttler, bowlers shine as England thumps Australia by eight wickets - Sportstar — SNAPSHOT: Jos Buttler taking Mitchell Starc to cleaners.

Buttler didn’t stopped his rout as he kept on bashing without hesitating. Buttler completed his half-century in 25 balls which is the fastest in this tourney. There was some soothing on the pain of Australia as they took 2 wickets. Adam Zampa & Ashton Agar took a wicket each. Jason Roy played his role perfectly by playing a second fiddle. Roy scored 22 runs in 20 balls which included 1 four & 1 six. Buttler & Bairstow finished the match in style. Jos Buttler blistered a magnificent knock of 71 runs in 32 balls which is insane as he struck 5 fours & 5 sixes with a strike rate of 221. Bairstow played a cameo of 16 runs in 11 balls which included 2 sixes.

Buttler blasts England to crushing win over Australia at T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup | The Guardian — SNAPSHOT: Jos Buttler not even sparing spinners.

The bowling line up of Australia wasn’t a ‘B’ or ‘C’ grade. The fast bowlers where Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood who are by no means inexperienced at the World Stage. England made fun of them as such a devastating performance can shake any team’s morale.

Australia were invited to bat first. England’s fast bowlers rattled the top-order of Australia. In the power-play overs Australia lost 3 wickets & scored only 21 runs. The likes of Warner, Smith & Maxwell were all sent to the pavilion. Chris Woakes & Chris Jordan scalped the wickets. There was hope that Aaron Finch is still present at the crease. Adil Rashid & Liam Livingstone didn’t allowed any batter to change the momentum.

At 12 overs Australia’s score was 51-5 where they were looking dull. Australia somehow crawled their way back by posting 125 overs where they were bowled out. Finch scored 44 runs but he faced 49 deliveries as he crossed the rope(hit fours) only 4 times. There were knocks played by Matthew Wade, Agar, Cummins & Starc but in bits & pieces. There was a complete performance laid out by bowlers. Chris Woakes was at his peak with the new ball. His figures where 2 for 23. The pick of the bowling line up was Chris Jordan who executed his Yorkers next to perfection. His bowling figures where 3 for 17.

England vs Australia Cricket Score T20 World Cup 2021 Match Live Updates: England Ride On Flying Start To Bowl Australia Out For 125 | Cricket News — SNAPSHOT: Chris Woakes pumped up after dismissing David Warner

Jordan and Buttler blow Australia away as England take charge of T20 World Cup group — SNAPSHOT: Chris Jordan thrilled by dismissing Steve Smith

England have got all their bases covered. They would worry that their middle & lower-middle order hasn’t majorly contributed to team’s success. The pitch wasn’t a swing friendly but they bowled accurate lines. England’s next match is against Sri Lanka at 01 November at Sharjah. They as of now have became the front-runners to be the table-toppers.

This is a warning & wake up call for Australia. The pitch was placid & batting friendly where their shot-selection was poor. Dropping Mitchell Marsh & picking Ashton Agar was controversial. Marsh has been recently playing all the bilateral series which were against New Zealand, West Indies & Bangladesh. He was the only positive when Australia was under the radar for the series defeats. Australia’s NRR has taken a huge downfall of -0.627. Their next match is against Bangladesh on 4th November at Dubai. If Australia wants to make it to Semi Finals they have to beat Bangladesh. Australia would have their 4-1 series defeat in their mind.