Match preview: England v Bangladesh

2015 World Cup

Cricket365
March 10, 2015

Venue

The Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Team news

England come into this match against Bangladesh needing to record a win to stay in the hunt for a quarter-final spot, and even if they do bag two points they'll still be behind the count.

The Tigers have five points, one of those thanks to a wash-out, while England have just two after a solitary win against Scotland. England must win this and their next game against Afghanistan to stand a chance of advancing.

One key question that will only be answered at the toss is whether number three batsman Gary Ballance will make way for Alex Hales, as Ballance has been well out of the runs so far. The clamour for Hales' inclusion has reached fever pitch, but the coaches have backed Ballance in the media so far.

England's senior bowlers will also need to find some form, with both Stuart Broad and James Anderson lacking any bite so far. Chris Woakes and Steve Finn have been far more effective.

The Tigers, meanwhile, also have to games left and need to win one of them. The other is against New Zealand, so this one is the more realistic option. The Tigers have won two out of their last three meetings, so it's not a far-fetched idea, especially given England's lack of form.

Bangladesh could bring batsman Imrul Kayes in to open after his arrival to replace the injured Anamul Haque, thought they could also add an extra spinner in Arafat Sunny.

Last encounter

They haven't played each other since 2011…

World Cup meetings

… when they met at the World Cup on the sub-continent. The Tigers won that clash by two wickets and an over remaining, chasing down the 226 required. England had been removed for 225, despite 60-odd scores from Jonathan Trott and Eoin Morgan, and a half ton from Imrul Kayes saw the Tigers home.

Before that, in 2007, they met in Barbados and England won that encounter by four wickets. Sajid Mahmood and Monty Panesar saw the Tigers all out for 143, before Paul Collingwood and Paul Nixon saved England's blushes.

Key players

For England, all-rounder Moeen Ali will play a big role, given he's got one of only two tons for the side this tournament, and his off spin could provide some problems. He and Joe Root are England's top run-getters so far.

Bangladesh batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has two half tons in three innings, and is the leading scorer for his side so far. He has the experience to do well against England's bowlers.

Umpires

Billy Bowden and Paul Reiffel, Simon Fry (3rd umpire), Ranjan Madugalle (match referee)

Weather

This could play a big part, as rain is predicted for much of the day. It's set to be overcast, with a good percentage chance of rain in the late morning into lunchtime.

Prediction

While this won't be a walk in the park for England, one imagines their batsmen will ensure a win to keep their hopes alive.