Australia will play England in the final of the ICC World T20 that will be played at Bridgetown in Barbados. England and Australia got to the final by beating Sri Lanka and Pakistan respectively, the two finalists from the previous edition.
The manner in which both the sides have played in the tournament, they have clearly been the number one and two sides. However, Australia (8/13 at Blue Square) has played almost flawless cricket, and apart from the semi-finals where they were stretched, the side has almost crushed everyone else. England (6/4 at Sporting Bet), on the other hand, have been excellent, and quite deserving of their place, but there will be question-marks on whether they can handle the Aussies in a press-final.
The best part of the Australian batting has been their ability to overcome any form of adversity and conjure up one or the other batsman who can deliver. Michael Hussey (15/2 at Totesport) was the apt example in the semi-final as he took 48 runs off the last 17 balls to win them the game. Dave Warner (3/1 at Blue Square) has had a quiet last game or two in the tournament, whereas Shane Watson (3/1 at Blue Square, both, to top-score for their side) will also be itching to go after their age-old rivals in what has been described as a build-up to the Ashes.
Michael Clarke’s (7/1 at Boylesports to be the best batsman) lack of runs and the ensuing frustration was clearly seen in the manner of his reaction to his dismissal in the semi-final. As a captain, he will need to get going, but will be wary of wasting too many deliveries. The English bowlers, on the other hand, can be expected to target him.
The English batsmen had a surprisingly explosive batting line-up when they came in, but three of the top six have not been able to play the longer innings so far. Both the openers, Craig Kieswetter (4/1 at Boylesports) and Michael Lumb (7/2 at 888Sport, both to top-score for their side) have been mediocre with their starts, and that has put some pressure on the middle order. So has the form of Paul Collingwood (6/1 at Ladbrokes).
Fortunately, with Kevin Pietersen (11/4 at Blue Square) and Eoin Morgan (6/1 at Ladbrokes) batting the way they are, things have been taken care of on most occasions, but it will be too much to expect them to come to the party all the time. The onus will be on the top-order to take up the gauntlet and fire in this important game.
Australia will definitely be the favourites going into the game, but as the semi-finals showed, they are not unbeatable. How the English batsmen cope with the fiery Barbados wicket will decide how the side goes in the final.
Tips:
Favourites: Australia (8/13 at Blue Square)
Top Australia batsman: Shane Watson (3/1 at Blue Square)
Top England batsman: Kevin Pietersen (11/4 at Blue Square)
