Warmup Match: Game 4
Stadium: ACA Stadium, Kamrup Metropolitan, India
30 September 2023
India and England are going head to head in the fourth warmup game of the World Cup 2023 at ACA Stadium, Kamrup Metropolitan, India on 30th September. Both the teams are in good form and this game will allow them to tweak things a little before the start of the World Cup. Who will win this game?
Claim Your Welcome Bonus!India form
India has been in outstanding form recently, holding the top ranking across all three cricket formats. Their recent triumphs in the Asia Cup and the successful home series against Australia have provided a significant morale boost to the team.
Despite some surprise omissions in the 15-member squad, the team has remained unfazed by off-field controversies, delivering exceptional on-field performances. These two warm-up matches, including the current one, serve as the final opportunities for selectors to fine-tune the squad.
India's batting lineup has been in sensational form, with players like Shubhman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli hitting their peak at the right moment. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have recovered effectively from their injuries, adding strength to the middle order.
Due to Axar Patel's ongoing recovery from a minor injury, the team may see either Ravichandran Ashwin or Washington Sundar taking his place. (Update: R Ashwin has replaced Axar Patel in the squad).
Turning to the pace attack, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj have all delivered impressive performances and will aim to secure quick wickets with the new ball. Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin department, with support from Ravindra Jadeja.
While every team desires to win warm-up matches, their primary purpose lies in player readiness and evaluating team balance rather than securing victories.
India Predicted Lineup
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.
England form
Just like their upcoming opponents, England enters this contest with a string of impressive performances. They have secured consecutive series victories against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Ireland, instilling a sense of confidence as they step onto the field.
England boasts one of the most explosive batting line-ups in the tournament and intends to capitalize on it to post substantial totals. The team's ultra-aggressive approach has proven effective, and there's no indication of a change in their attacking style.
The opening partnership is likely to feature Johnny Bairstow and Dawid Malan, with Joe Root and Harry Brook following in the middle order. Ben Stokes, a key figure in England's maiden World Cup title win during the last edition, is in exceptional batting form since returning from retirement.
England also possesses several quality all-rounders, including Moeen Ali, David Willey, and Sam Curran, who can make valuable contributions across all facets of the game.
However, England's bowling department presents a challenge, particularly in the absence of Jofra Archer due to injury. The pace attack, consisting of Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, and Reece Topley, has limited experience in Indian conditions and may find it challenging against India's strong batting lineup.
England's sole specialist spinner, Adil Rashid, is not at full fitness, leaving the team with limited options.
This warm-up match holds significant importance for England as they aim to adapt to the conditions early in the tournament.
England Predicted Lineup
Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.
Expert betting tips
The team that wins the toss is likely to opt for bowling first. The Barsapara Cricket Stadium pitch is renowned for favoring batsmen, and we can anticipate a high-scoring game. Although this stadium has only hosted two ODIs thus far, all four innings played here have seen scores exceeding 300 runs. The team batting first will aim to surpass the 350-run mark to provide their bowlers a competitive total to defend. Bowling conditions are challenging, requiring accuracy in line and length from the bowlers.
The weather is expected to remain warm and humid, with a chance of showers during the day. England and India are two formidable teams in this tournament, and we anticipate a closely contested match. However, our prediction leans towards India winning this match due to their stronger bowling lineup. England's seam attack is relatively inexperienced, and their spin options are limited.
Our bet is on India to emerge victorious.