Here’s our exciting preview for the fifth and final ODI clash between Australia and England at the brand new Perth Stadium this Sunday morning.
Despite having already lost the series, Australia has managed to avoid a whitewash and is now aiming to close the gap to a respectable 3-2 scoreline at a brand new international cricket venue.
England faces the challenge of overcoming a catastrophic top-order collapse and may use this opportunity to give some bench players valuable game time, having missed the chance to secure a 5-0 clean sweep.
Australia vs England | Sunday, 28 January | Perth Stadium | 5:20 PM
Match Odds
Australia 72/100 | Tie 35/1 | England 23/20
Australia Team Outlook
After experimenting with several seam-bowling combinations throughout the series, Australia seems to have found a winning formula, possibly meaning Jhye Richardson and Mitchell Starc may sit this one out in Perth.
The bowling unit will be eager to deliver a repeat performance of the fourth ODI, where they initially reduced England to 8/5, although the opposition managed to post 196 runs – something Australia would hope to avoid this time.
Travis Head stepped up admirably as opener in Finch’s absence at Adelaide Oval, and it’s expected that he will continue in this role regardless of Finch’s availability.
Fans are keen to see Glenn Maxwell back in the mix. After a late squad inclusion, Maxwell has a point to prove to critics including Steven Smith and Ricky Ponting, who have recently questioned his motivation.
Perth Stadium will be hosting its first international cricket match, and the pitch is expected to be hard and flat, presenting an excellent opportunity for a high score by the team batting first.
England Team Outlook
England will be aiming to claim a 4-1 series win and maintain momentum before their upcoming T20I tri-series against Australia and New Zealand. However, they must address the shortcomings demonstrated in Adelaide.
Chasing near 200 runs proved too challenging, even after recovering from a dismal early loss of five wickets. England might consider bolstering their middle order by including Sam Billings or Dawid Malan.
Unlike the heavy spin presence in the previous ODI, it’s likely England will reduce spin overs and rely more on pacers like Tom Curran, who bowled only two overs in the last match.
Moeen Ali faces pressure to deliver, with no significant performances with bat or ball so far on this tour. Still, he remains in the team, potentially setting up a compelling duel with Australia’s Pat Cummins.
Practising defence and attack against slower balls will be vital. Andrew Tye’s effective ‘knuckle’ ball in Adelaide showcased how variations could make a huge difference, and similar tactics are anticipated at Perth.
Match Prediction: Australia 72/100
Australia is tipped to build on their Australia Day victory with another strong showing, especially if Glenn Maxwell is selected and seizes the chance against an exhausted English pace attack.
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