The cricketing rivalry between Australia and England dates back to the 19th century. While the contest on Sunday does not have a Larwood vs Bradman feel to it, it is undoubtedly the biggest stage the two sides have been on for a very long time. Each team has had its share of glory in the past. However, for a major part of the last two decades, Australia has been the dominant side. But the teams have been more evenly matched in recent times. England reclaimed the Ashes in August 2009, but Australia has managed to maintain the upper-hand in the limited overs format. This time around though both the teams are on a roll and there is not much that separates them on paper. Thus, cricket lovers around the world should be witness to a high intensity clash for the ultimate prize in the shortest format of the game.
After the semi-finals in St. Lucia, the action will return to the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The wickets in the previous matches at this venue have been a bit on the bouncier side and something similar will be expected in the final. The boundaries are not the biggest either and hence we could have a high-scoring contest in store.
Barring the semi-final against Pakistan, Australia has virtually steam-rolled every obstacle that has come in their way. They have played the same eleven in each and every match. The players seem to well aware of their respective roles in the team and more often than not, they have successfully come up with what has been expected from them. Hence, the same XI should in all probability walk out to the park to battle for the title.
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