Five-time World Champions, Australia will face the hosts and tournament favorites, England in the final knockout match of the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
England bounced back after starring into the jaws of any early knockout but back-to-back victories over New Zealand and India in their final group matches ensured them a spot in the semi-finals, the first time in 27 years. After their disappointing campaign in the 2015 World Cup, the English have been on an upward trajectory to being the top-ranked ODI at the start of the World Cup.
This all sounds impressive until you look at what the Australians have done. Australia has managed to feature in all World Cup playoffs since 1996, in four of the times they went on to be crowned Champions. A similar story can be seen in the Champions trophy where they are often found in the playoffs. Australia has found a way to bring their A-game in big matches which has been the difference between these two nations over the past 27 years.
Players to look out for:
Australia:
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David Warner (638 runs, three centuries, HS 166)
Mitchell Starc (24 wickets @ 16.61, Best 5-26)
England:
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Joe Root (500 runs, two centuries, HS 107)
Jofra Archer (17 wickets @ 22.76, Best 3-27)
Team News:
England are likely to remain unchanged. Australian top-order batsman Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a hamstring injury and be replaced by Matthew Wade. Australia, meanwhile, will call on Peter Handscomb for the first time in over three months.
Our Predicted Winner:
Australia.
The teams go head to head at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Thursday at 11h30 SAST. Light showers are expected in the morning but will clear out during the course of the day.
