Our event of the day is the One Day International cricket match between Australia and England at the Oval in London. As part of Australia’s Tour of England, the two teams will play a series of five ODIs and one T20 throughout the month of June. The Australian squad is playing in their first International cricket match since the ball tampering scandal in South Africa back in March. Australia lost their Captain Steve Smith and Vice-Captain David Warner to 12 month suspensions in the aftermath of the controversy, Cameron Bancroft received a 9 month ban. New coach Justin Langer hopes this tour will serve as a fresh start on the International scene for the Australians.
England, who are ranked as the number one team in the most recent ODI Rankings, will not be an easy opponent. The English side will have to bounce back after a surprising six-run loss against Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday. They will be out to prove that the defeat was simply a road bump and should return to form against Australia. This England side is known for it’s deep team and batting ability. However, they will be without reliable all-rounders Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes for the first few matches of the series due to injuries. Jonny Bairstow will hope to pick up the slack as he has the chance to become the second player ever to score four straight ODI centuries. England are the favourites heading into the series, having won seven of their last nine ODIs against Australia. Today’s opening match at the historic Kennington Oval should be a good test for both squads. See what else is happening in the world of sport
