Image Source: Getty Images
[Saba Sports News] Josh Hazlewood stirred the pot by stating that Australia will act in their “best interest,” even if it means playing to eliminate England on Net Run Rate. However, with England’s record win over Oman, “knocking it around” and “dragging out” the game are no longer options. Scotland now needs an outright win against Australia, which, though challenging, is not entirely unlikely given the tournament’s unpredictability so far.
This match is shrouded in uncertainty. It will be the first T20I between these two sides, and Michael Leask mentioned that Australia is unaware of Scotland’s capabilities. The last encounter between the two teams was in the 2015 ODI World Cup.
Scotland has significantly improved since then, as shown by their dominant performance in the European qualifiers and their victories in this World Cup, including their first T20I win over Namibia and their dismantling of Oman. However, facing Australia, the current holders of the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup, presents a unique challenge.
For Australia, this match carries little weight. Their pre-tournament seeding has already set their Super 8s fixtures, so they aim to focus on their “best interest,” whether it’s giving game time to bench players or potentially causing England’s early exit.
When: Australia vs Scotland on 15 June 2024, at 8:30 pm local
Where: Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia
What to Expect: This will be the venue’s first World Cup match. Since April 2021, teams batting first in night games here have averaged 171 runs, winning 7 out of 12 matches. The weather is expected to be fair.
Team Watch
Australia: Mitchell Marsh’s side might rest Marcus Stoinis before the Super 8s, with Nathan Ellis continuing to replace Starc.
Tactics & Matchups: Adam Zampa will be crucial, as Brandon McMullen and Richie Berrington have struggled against legspin.
Probable XI: Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Scotland: Saafyan Sharif replaced Brad Currie against Oman and took two wickets. Currie, now recovered, might return.
Tactics & Matchups: Mark Watt’s left-arm orthodox bowling against Travis Head will be interesting, as Head averages just over 13 against this type since 2022. Tim David and Josh Inglis also have unimpressive middle-order stats.
Probable XI: George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross (wk), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Christopher Sole, Brad Currie/Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal
Australia has a mixed record in St Lucia, winning all their matches in the 2010 T20 World Cup but losing a series 1-4 in 2021.