Australia face England in must-win encounter

Australia needs a win against England today to go through to the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy. Bangladesh’s future in the tournament also depends on this Group A fixture between Australia and England.

Anything other than a win for Australia would see Bangladesh make the semifinals courtesy of a brilliant 5-wicket victory against New Zealand.

The tournament has been marred by rain and the Australians have been the hit the worst. Two of their matches have been abandoned after washouts against New Zealand and Bangladesh.

Australia haven’t had the chance to complete a game yet, but Steven Smith remained unbeaten on 8 and 22. Had rain not interrupted, he might have steered his team to an easy victory against Bangladesh.

Josh Hazlewood obliterated New Zealand with his 6 for 52 and Mitchell Starc’s 4-wicket haul wrapped up Bangladesh for 182.

Joe Root is the man of the moment for England. The dashing right-hander scored a match-wining 133 not out against Bangladesh in the first match of the tournament. He followed up with 64 valuable runs against New Zealand.

Australian newcomer Adam Zampa the England batsmen with his leg spin. The spiner picked up 2-13 against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh will be rooting for England in today’s fixture. The semifinals beckons as Australia will keep an eye out for rain as beating the English weather has been rather difficult in this tournament.