England finally look to start T20 World Cup title defence against Australia

England will look to finally get their World Cup T20 title defence underway this weekend against Australia after the Scotland match was cancelled.

The two British sides endured a frustrating afternoon as constant heavy rain spoiled what had been set up to be an intriguing clash.

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Scotland posted a Duckworth-Lewis-Stern-adjusted score of 109 from ten overs, meaning Jos Buttler‘s men faced an uphill struggle, but the rain ensured they never had to attempt the chase, and both sides walked away with a point.

Now, England face Australia, who won their opening game against Oman.

Oman won the toss and elected to field and had the Aussies in quite a bit of trouble at 50-3, but Marcus Stoinis and David Warner ensured Australia reached 164-5, and their opponents could only manage 125-9 in response.

Now, it’s all set up for a big game that could define Group B.

England vs Australia: Date and how to follow

This T20 World Cup Group B clash is set to take place on Saturday, June 8.

It will be held at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

The action is set to get underway at 6pm UK time.

It will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket.

Sky Go customers can watch via their laptops or mobile devices.

Alternatively, viewers can purchase a NOW TV membership, with monthly passes currently on sale for £26.

talkSPORT will have updates from the West Indies throughout the afternoon from Jon Norman, while you will get an instant reaction on the talkSPORT Cricket YouTube channel.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

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England vs Australia – Group fixtures and results

England

• England vs Scotland – no result
• Saturday, June 8 – England vs Australia – 6pm
• Thursday, June 13 – England vs Oman – 8pm
• Saturday, June 15 – England vs Namibia – 6pm

Australia

• Australia vs Oman – Australia win by 39 runs
• Saturday, June 8 – Australia vs England – 6pm
• Wednesday, June 12 – Australia vs Namibia – 1:30am
• Sunday, June 16 – Australia vs Scotland – 1:30am

England vs Australia: Team news

England elected to go for the pace of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer against Scotland, and both were bowling well until the rain came, so they’ll probably both start.

Elsewhere, there is a decision to be made over Chris Jordan and Reece Topley or even Tom Hartley.

The batting line-up is likely to remain the same, with Jos Buttler and Phil Salt opening, followed by Will Jacks, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone.

As for Australia, Pat Cummins didn’t play the first game, but he’s almost certain to return for this one against England.

Cameron Green should also come into the side.

Australia World Cup T20 squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), David Warner, Adam Zampa.

England World Cup T20 squad: Jos Buttler (c & wk), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt (wk), Reece Topley, Mark Wood.

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England vs Australia: What has been said?

Ahead of what is an important game for England, Graeme Swann has urged Buttler’s men to be very aggressive.

Speaking to the PA new agency, he said: “Go out there, play ultra-aggressive cricket and beat the Aussies.

“Realistically, if you don’t win this game, then you’re relying on other results to go your way, and because it’s Australia, it is a massive game for England.

“It’s a must-win game, and I think it should inspire the team. I hope they go into it with a very aggressive mindset and not tentative at all”.