The England team would be sky-high after reaching a big milestone, snatching a series from the Aussies that was much important. As I mention always, they have pushed out any one taking control over their lands and this time too, they have been the main honour for their country. While the Poms would look to win this game, the much disappointed Australians will look to conquer only one match as the last game of this fascinating series begins at Old Trafford, Greater Manchester on 10th of July, 2012. England sealed their seventh straight home series win with a crushing victory at Durham on Saturday and only a washout in the third match at Edgbaston has prevented them from a shot at a clean sweep. Should England win in Manchester though, it would be the first time ever Australia has not won a single match in a series of five or more games. It would also be the fourth time Australia have lost four or more matches in a bilateral series, and England captain Alastair Cook has already made his intentions clear following the win in Durham.
England have been versatile throughout which is a pure reason of their strength. The Aussies have not been consistent, failing to show-off in their bowling and in batting as well. Only a few would have predicted that Brett Lee would go wicket-less in the last ODI, although he bowled 2 overs with a economy of 5.14. David Hussey and Clint McKay, batsman and bowler respectively, shone in dull conditions of the Aussies scoreboard. Clint McKay clinched two wickets while Hussey made 70 runs, highest on the Australian scorecard. This performance was not helpful for the Aussies at all. England chased the target with ease, displaying a very clinical performance. All the soldiers of the English military contributed in a triumph except Alastair Cook, who was caught at 29. Bell continued with is exquisite form, making a handy 69 while Jonathan Trott and Ravi Bopara too helped in the match.
The bowling department has been brilliant, Steven Finn, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad and Ravi Bopara too make a awesome foursome pair of bowling. Having got hat-trick chance twice, Steve Finn will spearhead the bowling ahead of the misery Anderson and Broad. Samit Patel went wicket-less and also gave runs to the batsman. He will look to make amends in this match. Brett Lee and Shane Watson fly back home due to injury woes that gives Michael Starc an opportunity to prove worthy for his side. Watson only bowled a single over before leaving the Chester-le-Street and Lee soon joined him in the treatment room after two deliveries of his second spell.
Match Timings: July 10, 2012 (14:00 local | 13:00 GMT | 18:30 IST)
Teams:
England (probable):
Alastair Cook (capt), Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, Ravi Bopara, Eoin Morgan, Craig Kieswetter (wk), Tim Bresnan, Chris Woakes, James Tredwell, James Anderson, Steven Finn.
Australia (probable): Matthew Wade (wk), Dave Warner, Peter Forrest, Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey, David Hussey, Steve Smith, Mitchell Johnson, Clint McKay, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc.
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