ICC World Cup 2023 | ENG vs AUS: Smith-Labuschagne stabilize Aussies innings

Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smiith during a match (Pic: AFP)

Travis Head and David Warner opened the innings for Australia in a clash against England. The Aussies lost their first wicket of opener Travis Head in a quick session. He nicked it into the hands of Joe Root in Chris Woakes' over. If Aussies win today's match against England then it will boost their chances for the semi-final qualification race in the ICC World Cup 2023.

Steve Smith joined the veteran opener Warner in the middle, but Chris Woakes dismissed Warner in his over. The Aussies were 39 for two wickets at the end of the sixth over. Woakes registered his second wicket in the match.

The unorthodox Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne entered the ground to shoulder Smith in the innings built up for the team. The duo is trying to stabilize the innings by playing sensible cricketing shots. Both completed their 50-run stand after getting a single in Liam Livingstone's over.

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England is almost out of the race for the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023. Even, if they win all the remaining three matches, they need to hope for the other matches' results to go in their favour.

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Australia are important clash of the ICC World Cup 2023 in the absence of their two key players Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh.

Squad changes:

In-form Glenn Maxwell is out for Australia and it is a chance for Marcus Stoinis to step up. He will provide the option of a medium-pace bowler in the middle overs and an option of a batter in the lower-middle order.

Squads:

Australia Squad:

Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.

England Squad:

Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.