The two oldest cricketing rivals – Australia and England – will be up against each other at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados in the 17th match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday. While Australia kicked off their campaign with a 39-run win against Oman, England’s match against their neighbors – Scotland – was washed out due to rain and thus they had to share a point.

Meanwhile, the reigning champions England have a solid team to defend their title. The Three Lions also registered a 2-0 win against Pakistan recently before the T20 World Cup. 

Jos Buttler has been in solid form and he is going to hold the key for his side at the top of the order. However, England bowlers would be a tad disappointed that they conceded 90 runs in the 10 overs against Scotland.

On the other hand, Marcus Stoinis scored an unbeaten knock of 67 runs against Oman off 36 balls. Furthermore, Stoinis bagged three wickets and came up with an all-round performance to bag the Player of the Match award. David Warner also returned to form as he scored 56 off 51 balls on a difficult pitch. 

Moreover, Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Starc, and Adam Zampa picked two wickets apiece but Glenn Maxwell’s poor form continued as he was dismissed for a golden duck.

Pat Cummins missed the opening game and the gun fast bowler is expected to return against the arch-rivals.

Match Prediction: England will enter the contest as favorites against Australia.

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

England squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood