England vs Australia predictions: Aussie opener should lead from the front

James Milton
Spotlight
David Warner is in fine form at this World Cup and notched scored of 86, 16 and 106 against England last November
David Warner is in fine form at this World Cup and notched scored of 86, 16 and 106 against England last November

- England have been bowled out for 215, 170, 156 and 129 in their last four games
- Australia opener David Warner has hit 19 sixes in six World Cup innings
- Recommended bet: David Warner To Score 50+

England's defence of their World Cup title has been a disaster and Jos Buttler's men are bottom of the league table after losing five of their first six matches.

Australia, beaten by India and South Africa in their first two games of the tournament, have rallied with a four-game winning run and a victory over England in Ahmedabad would enhance their chances of making the semi-finals.

England, back at the venue where they lost to New Zealand by nine wickets, will be keen to land a blow on their Ashes rivals but a much-improved performance with the bat is required from the faltering 2019 World Cup winners.

Team news

England fast bowler Reece Topley has been ruled out of the tournament with a fractured finger so Durham's Brydon Carse has been called up to the squad. 

Batsman Harry Brook could be in line for a recall and David Willey should keep his place despite announcing his intention to retire from international cricket at the end of the tournament. 

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell misses out after suffering concussion in an accident at a golf course. 

Mitchell Marsh has returned home for personal reasons so Cameron Green is likely to return to the team with Sean Abbott and Alex Carey also hoping for opportunities.

The stats

Dawid Malan has scored England's only century at this World Cup, smashing 140 in his side's sole victory
Dawid Malan has scored England's only century at this World Cup, smashing 140 in his side's sole victory

England have lost five of their six matches at this tournament.

Jos Buttler's men have been bowled out for 215, 170, 156 and 129 in their last four games.

Dawid Malan's 140 against Bangladesh is England's only century of the World Cup.

Australia opener David Warner has hit 19 sixes in six World Cup innings.

The Aussies have won five of their last six ODIs against England.

Australia have scored five centuries in six matches at this tournament.

Prediction

Australia are favourites to inflict a sixth defeat in seven World Cup matches on struggling England and the Aussie openers pose a huge threat in Ahmedabad.

Travis Head returned from injury with a scintillating century in the five-run win over New Zealand last time out and veteran David Warner's form is also ominous for England.

Warner scored three fifties in three September ODIs against India in the build-up to the World Cup and he has looked in terrific touch at this tournament.

His last three innings were 163, 104 and 81 and he is well worth backing to score 50 or more against a demoralised England side.

New Zealand opener Devon Conway and number three Rachin Ravindra both scored centuries against England in Ahmedabad, the venue for Saturday's match, while Warner made 86, 16 and 106 against them in last November's three-match ODI series Down Under.