The series might already be in England’s grasp, but Australia is fired up to reclaim some honour at the iconic Adelaide Oval this Friday morning in the fourth ODI clash.
Australia heads into this almost final showdown of a grueling five-match series still struggling in limited-overs cricket and desperate to avoid the embarrassment of a clean sweep.
England, secure with a commanding 3-0 lead, look to dampen the Aussie spirit on their special day. Patriotism will be high stakes in Adelaide as the hosts battle their form.
Australia vs England | Friday, 26 January | Adelaide Oval | 5:20
Match Winner Odds
Australia 72/100 | Tie 35/1 | England 23/20
Australia’s Outlook
Glenn Maxwell, despite being overlooked earlier, has boldly urged the team to up the ante in ODIs – a call long overdue. With batsmen averaging just under five runs per over during middle overs, a shift in tempo is essential.
Marcus Stoinis stands out as the only regular with a strike rate above 100. Key players like Aaron Finch, Tim Paine, and Mitchell Marsh have decent averages but need to work on their strike rates urgently.
Captain Steve Smith is under pressure to replicate his Ashes brilliance, having failed to convert starts in this series so far. Adelaide offers a perfect stage for a comeback.
Mitchell Starc has been troubling England’s top order with his unique angle bowling from around the wicket. Support from Pat Cummins and others will be vital.
The Aussies’ recent record at Adelaide Oval isn’t flattering either, with just 6 wins in their last 12 ODIs here. However, England also carries baggage from a prior loss to Bangladesh at this venue.
England’s Standpoint
From Jason Roy’s blistering century in the opener, through dominant spin in game two, and Jos Buttler’s rapid ton in game three, England has been showcasing limited-overs supremacy. Expect no less in the upcoming fixture.
Liam Plunkett’s injury could pave the way for David Willey, whose left-arm deliveries might mirror Starc’s effectiveness and add batting depth unlike Tom Curran or Jake Ball.
Moeen Ali, while safe in the team, must find his scoring touch, having failed to cross 40 in this tour spanning five Tests and three ODIs. His bowling role is also less critical with Adil Rashid around.
England will be eager to rectify their last ODI slip-up at the Adelaide Oval against Bangladesh during the World Cup, where Chris Woakes’ death overs were vulnerable. His improved form adds strength to England’s line-up.
A 4-0 lead would bring England tantalisingly close to an historic series whitewash, setting a formidable tone for the imminent T20 tri-series with Australia and New Zealand.
Prediction: England 23/20
Even in Plunkett’s absence, England’s well-rounded bowling attack is likely to dominate in Adelaide. Their batsmen are poised to exploit a true pitch against Australia’s currently unsettled attack.
