Done with the pre-match formalities! It's now time for two of the biggest rivals to battle it out on the field. The Australian players are taking up their respective field positions. Phil Salt and Ben Duckett are the two openers for England. Spencer Johnson has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
We are moments away from the start of this big clash, but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be England's first followed by the national anthem of Australia.
Phil Salt is in for a chat. With this being the first game of the tournament, he says that are looking to do the basics right, lay a marker and most importantly, come away with a win. On being relieved of the wicketkeeping duties for this game, he says that today is a great opportunity to get involved in the field and make an impact. Mentions that there are a lot of guys in the squad who have done well here and have good knowledge of the conditions, which he hopes will stand the team in good stead. Tells that the India series taught them a lot and it gave them a chance to drill into the basics. States that he and Ben Duckett have different styles and they hit the ball in different areas, but they complement each other well.
The skipper of England, Jos Buttler says that they would have batted first as they are not sure whether dew will be a factor or not. Adds that they are very excited for this game and whenever you play Australia in an ICC event, you want to be part of it. Mentions that Jamie Smith has immense quality and he has shown that in recent times and that they have skilled players around him to help him improve even further.
The captain of Australia, Steve Smith says that it looks like a pretty good surface and adds that there was some dew when they trained at night, hence, they want to bowl first. Mentions that they have two left-arm seamers in Ben Dwarshuis and Spencer Johnson. Talks about the form of Carrey and that he is a quality batter. Concludes it by saying that they are excited for today’s game.
England (Playing XI) - Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (WK), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (C), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steve Smith (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
TOSS - Australia have won the toss and they will BOWL first.