Cricket fans had a gala time not so long ago with India beating Pakistan in a last-over thriller at the MCG. The same ground is now ready for another epic battle in T20 World Cup 2022. If India vs Pakistan is the biggest rivalry in the sport, England vs Australia is the oldest one. At MCG, the stage is set and there is a lot to play for. With England losing to Ireland, of course thanks to the rain and DLS method, the Group of Death is wide open now. Australia lost their first match to New Zealand to eventually bounce back vs Sri Lanka, even if they looked very scratchy. England now face a defeat too and on the unexpected lines, in the hands of Ireland after beginning their campaign with a win. It makes things spicier and it is now an even more intense a battle on Friday.

England have edge over Australia

I am picking England as favourites vs Aussies even while they play at home. There is some pressure on Australians in this T20 World Cup and I believe they have felt it with their early loss. England have had positive results against the Aussies recently. They beat them in the series prior to the World Cup. When I look at England and their balance, I see a winning side. Captained by Jos Buttler, I love the strength in their batting at the top. In particular Alex Hales, coming into the England lineup, selectors recognising that he could be a massive player here.

Dawid Malan, the left hander, brings little variation in the batting lineup. When you think of power- hitting, you throw in Ben Stokes, who floats a bit. And can smash the ball to all parts. The middle order is quality. There is Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone as finishers. They have guys who can hit the ball hard batting lower down in Sam Curran, Chris Woakes. There is Adil Rasheed who brings in leg spin bowling.

Can Aussies drop Cummins for Richardson and the Finch conundrum

The defending champions have not really looked at ease in this World Cup. If they lost their opener vs New Zealand looking listless, they just escaped an upset Vs Sri Lanka. They have been very scratchy and the problem really starts with their captain Aaron Finch, not necessarily his leadership but certainly his batting. He looked out of sorts against Lankans and by his own admission, it was a poor T20 knock that put pressure on his batting partners. The hosts need to quickly fix the Finch problem at the top. One wonders whether Cameron Green can make it to the playing XI. He can bowl and bat higher up the order and be a floater. He can be Australia’s Finn Allen if needed. But then again, how do you fit him in? You cannot drop the captain and Mitchell Marsh deserves a longer rope at No 3.

Against England in this big game, Australia’s top order will need to come good. David Warner will be key. If he scores, Australia get a good start and the middle order can launch off the base set up by him. Finch needs to get going at the top. The top 3 batters need to get the bulk of the runs. Marsh needs to play an innings of substance. I believe the middle order batting is what makes England have an edge over Aussies. The Australian middle order is more underachieving than the England one. I am fascinated to see how things pan out.

I also feel that Kane Richardson needs to play more for Australia even if it means at the expense of the vice-captain Pat Cummins, who has been very poor in this T20 World Cup so far. He was thrashed at the death by Lankan batters and continues bowling the same length despite heavy punishment. Richardson is a far more all-round, universal bowler in terms of changes of pace and variations. Cummins is a great Test bowler but T20Is are different. I would most certainly have Richardson in my lineup. I like Josh Hazlewood, he will certainly play. Mitchell Starc may have gone for runs but he gives you variety with left-arm pace.

Marcus Stoinis is a huge boost for Australia. His form is key like other pace-bowling all-rounders in this competition. He single-handedly saved Australia’s World Cup campaign vs Sri Lanka the other day.

England would be coming into the contest after getting beaten by Ireland. That was a shocker and completely on unexpected lines but they should back themselves as they are still a more balanced side than Australians.

I think Jos Buttler and co will be very keen and excited to take on Australia. I feel this is a side that could go all the way and win the tournament. What bodes well for a very exciting clash on Friday is that either of these teams may find it tough to go further in the tournament if they lose and this context makes it an exciting contest to watch.