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England and Australia meet in the final One Day International of their five match series on Tuesday when the two sides go head to head at Old Trafford.
It has been a series that England have completely dominated and they go into this encounter 3-0 up, meaning their opponents only have pride to play for.
Alistair Cook’s men would have gone to number one in the world in this format of the game if they won the series 5-0. However, the fourth ODI was a washout meaning that that score line was not possible.
Last time out, the Three Lions were are convincing as ever, winning the match by eight wickets. They look to be a real top quality outfit and will be looking to rub salt in the Aussies wounds this time out.
Steven Finn was the star man with the ball at Chester-le-Street, taking four wickets for just 37 runs in his ten overs. With the bat it was Ian Bell and Jonathon Trott who were successful, both scoring runs in the 60’s.
As for Australia, they will want this series to end as it has been a miserable one for them so far.
Michael Clarke will have a job in installing the confidence in his team as they look to end the series on a high.
Clarke will be disappointed in the way in which the side has performed and in the last match, five players were dismissed for single figures, something that cannot happen if they want to win games.
With eight bowlers used in the fourth ODI, Australia seemed to be running out of ideas about how to cope with England’s batsman.
The Aussies are still a team not to be taken lightly though as they are a top quality side that on their day that are capable of beating anyone.
Match Odds
It is no surprise that England go into this encounter as the favourites. They are available at 1.80 (4/5) with BetFred to take the series 4-0.
Australia are the slight outsiders to come out on top at Old Trafford. You can back them at 2.10 (11/10) with BoyleSports.
Top Batsman
The Aussie batsmen have not been in the best of form in this series so far. Michael Clarke may need to put in a Captains performance. He is being offered at 5.00 (4/1) StanJames with be his side’s leading scorer.
Both Alistair Cook and Ian Bell are the joint favourites to be England’s top man with the bat, their odds are 4.50 (7/2) with Ladbrokes.
Recommended Bet
After his performance last time out, Steven Finn will go into this match full of confidence. Finn taking the Man of the Match can be backed at 19.00 (18/1) with BlueSQ.
