Australia v England First ODI: Buttler Out, Tongue Sent Home
Australia host England in the first men's one-day international at Perth Stadium with Jos Buttler out, Josh Tongue sent home and Jacob Bethell doubtful. Mitchell Marsh's side field a fresh-faced bowling attack, while Harry Brook's batters arrive in form.
Australia and England open their men's one-day international series at Perth Stadium with both sides short of key players. The first ODI is the start of Australia's build-up to the men's ODI World Cup, now less than 11 months away.
Mitchell Marsh leads a home attack with little experience. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have been rested for the Tests ahead. Nathan Ellis is still recovering from a side strain.
England's injury problems
England, under Harry Brook, have troubles of their own. Josh Tongue has been sent home with a toe injury, and Jos Buttler is out. Jacob Bethell is doubtful after missing the warm-up against Western Australia.
Predicted lineups
Australia's predicted XI is Travis Head, Marsh (captain), Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Matthew Renshaw, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa and Mahli Beardman.
England's predicted XI is Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Brook (captain), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Sonny Baker and Adil Rashid.
Form and history in Perth
Neither side arrives in settled form. Australia have won only one of their last four series, losing 2-1 to Pakistan, Bangladesh and South Africa. England lost three straight in the Pakistan tri-series and missed the final.
Perth Stadium has not been a fortress for Australia in one-day cricket. They lost three in a row here before finally beating India last summer. England remember the ground fondly: they won the first international played there in 2018 by 12 runs, when Root made 62 and Tom Curran took 5-35.
England's batting looks the more dangerous. Brook hit 202 off 116 balls against Sri Lanka, the fastest ODI double century ever. Banton has passed 50 six times in his past seven innings, including 126 at The Oval in September.
Duckett comes in fresh from 167 off 132 balls. Archer was rapid at the WACA last weekend and will fancy the pace in Perth.
Head has his own memories of the venue. His century here last summer wrapped up a Test in just 140 overs, a result England's Ashes veterans may not enjoy recalling.
Perth is known for a pacey pitch, which should keep the quicks interested and reward batters who commit to their shots. One preview of the match picks England to win.
