The 36th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 between England and Australia will be played today at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The game will start at 1:30 pm (PST).
Australia can deliver the final blow to old enemy England’s dismal World Cup campaign on Saturday with memories of their acrimonious Ashes series still fresh.
Jos Buttler’s defending champions sit rock bottom of the 10-nation group with one win in six games, requiring a mathematical miracle to squeeze into the semi-finals.
On Saturday, they face an Australian team who come into the game at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad with four straight wins.
However, the five-time winners will be without two key players in Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh.
England’s most recent loss was a 100-run thrashing at the hands of unbeaten India in Lucknow where coach Matthew Mott faced down questions over the team’s brittle batting line-up and claims of dressing room unrest.
England’s only win so far was against Bangladesh.
They lost to Afghanistan while in their last two games, their batting folded for 156 (against Sri Lanka) and then 129 (India).
Defeat to Australia will not only knock them out of contention for a semi-final spot but also put them in danger of missing the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Australia, led by Pat Cummins, is currently in third spot and well-placed to reach the semi-finals after winning four games.
