After winning the first ODI against the hosts by 19 runs, the Aussies would be looking to clinch the series today.
Despite the failure of the openers, David Warner and Aaron Finch to provide a strong start, Australia promoted their all-rounder Marcus Stoinis to the number three position and he stuck a crucial 43 before Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh took charge with a 126-run sixth-wicket stand after being in a spot of bother at 123-5.
The Aussies would heave a sigh of relief as their maverick batsman, Steve Smith passed the second concussion test making himself available for selection for today's match.
The visitors will not have any concerns with the performance of their bowling attack as their pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins proved too hot for the England top order. Their accuracy was relentless and suffocating and got the ball moving as the hosts struggled to get runs in the first ten overs. Hazlewood bagged three crucial wickets before Adam Zampa took control.
The hosts would have plenty to figure out after Jason Roy who is making a comeback got out early and Joe Root despite playing county cricket did not impress either. Sam Billlings's maiden century went in vain as England made a mess of the chase.
Though Joffra Archer and Mark Wood were among the wickets, the world champions struggled to control the run flow in the middle overs.
England has never lost a bilateral ODI series since January 2017 and would look to maintain that record.
With skipper Eoin Morgan asking for turning pitches, he will rely on his spin duo, Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali to rattle Australia's middle order.
England would look to bat first and post a big total to get the Aussies off their game. With immense depth in their batting line-up, they will not be panicked at their performance. Morgan, being a placid captain would not tinker with the playing eleven and would look to give his boys another chance in a must-win match.
Possible XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler, Sam Billings, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood
Possible XI: Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschange, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
Prediction
Cricwizz predicts England to win the match and level the series 1-1
Cover Credits: CricketAustralia
