Australia vs England Preview: Stage set for England and Australia at Lord’s

Bowling will be the key for the Australian's as they take on England at Lord's today.

After the apparent top four was finalised last week, with only Bangladesh seemingly in a position to challenge, England faltered against Sri Lanka in what was a sliding doors moment for the competition. Suddenly, England who’s remaining matches are against all three top four sides, must win at least two to guarantee their place in the finals. With Bangladesh firmly breathing down their neck, as well as the surprise resurgence of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, there is no guarantee that England will win two against the quality opposition in their schedule and book their semi-final place.

Australia will likely prove the easiest test, however, with a side that boasts six World Cup winners from 2015, they are comfortable playing in the big games. And on the back of their recent 381 run effort against Bangladesh, things seem to be falling in place for the Australian’s perfectly.

For England, their second stumble in this campaign has proven that their chase for 500 should simply be replaced with chasing down smaller totals, after failing to negotiate the 233 runs that Sri Lanka set on Thursday.

The loss of Jason Roy at the top of the order has unsettled the English, but they are still an incredibly handy side. Eoin Morgan and Joe Root have been in exceptional form, with class players like Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler in their top 5, as well as Ben Stokes, this England side still demands respect.

This match will say a lot about the way the rest of the tournament will play out. A loss here for England will likely end their World Cup, as the juggernaut that is India will prey on any lack of confidence shown when the two sides meet next Saturday, and some relatively easy matches for Bangladesh could see them leapfrog England quite easily.

As for Australia, a loss will also have some significant impact on their campaign, but, they are all but guaranteed their semi-final spot, currently sitting in second behind New Zealand. A loss however will mean they are yet to beat a top four side, and will give confidence to those sides who may play them in the finals. WATCH OUT FOR - David Warner & Steve Smith

Steve Smith and David Warner will be looking to silence the English crowd at Lord's.

Returning to Lord’s, the home of cricket for the first time since their ban will be an interesting experience and a curious one to watch. After being booed for the first 4 matches, it was a combination of Virat Kohli, and Sarfraz Ahmed who persuaded their crowds to show the maligned characters some love. But at Lord’s, against the English, it could be a return to being the villians of world cricket for the pair. As we have seen in this campaign, both have been in excellent form, and will be spurred on to lead Australia to victory. PREDICTION This one is a difficult game to pick. England, the raging favourites at tournaments start have faltered twice, against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, both whom are outside the top four. Australia have stumbled only once, against India, in a run chase which saw them fall 36 runs short in the end, finishing with 316 all out. With so much to play for for England, and with Australia’s World Cup wining experience, we’re going to lean towards Australia here.

Australia to win 20-30 runs / 2-3 wickets STATISTICS HEAD TO HEAD ODI Matches: 147 Australia: 81

England: 61 Tied: 2 N/R: 3

HEAD TO HEAD IN WORLD CUPS

Matches: 7

Australia: 5

England: 2

WORLD CUP RECORDS

Australia

Matches: 90

Won: 67

Lost: 21

Tie: 1

Best Result - Winners (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015)

England

Matches: 78

Won: 45

Lost: 31

Best Result- Runners Up (1979, 1987, 1992)

ODI Record since World Cup 2015: Australia

Matches: 82

Won: 42 Lost: 37

England

Matches: 94

Won: 62

Lost: 25