Cricket: Aussies set for Trent Bridge opener

Australia turn their attention to the 50-over format of the game when they take on England in the opening One Day International on Thursday.

The Aussies had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the T20 series after rain washed out the final match, and they will be hoping for more luck with the weather this series.

Both teams have made changes to their squads for the ODI’s but Australia are once again the hot fancies to wrap up the series.

They can be backed at 1.50 to win the series, while the home side, England, are available at 2.62.

Winning the opening game is crucial and could set the tone for the remainder of the matches, so both sides will be desperate to pick up the victory.

Let’s take a look ahead to first match at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

. What: England v Australia
. Where: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
. When: 21:30 (AEST), Thursday 19th September
. How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo, Channel 7
. Odds: England 2.37, Australia 1.57

Aussie make shock call-up

Australia have sprung a surprise by calling up young pace bowler Mahli Beardman to their squad for the ODI series.

Little is known about the 19-year-old, who come from Western Australia, but Cricket Australia clearly feel he is good enough to play a role if required.

The Aussies are missing a number of fast bowlers, with Xavier Bartlett the latest to be added to the treatment room with a side strain.

Australia do have options, but if there were to be any more injuries, then Beardman could be required.

Mitchell Starc is one of several big names to return to the squad for the ODI’s and looks set to lead the bowling attack in game one.

Starc can be backed at 4.00 to be Team – Top Bowler, with Adam Zampa also available at the same price.

Elsewhere, swashbuckling all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been added to the squad and will be hugely influential with both bat and ball.

Top batsmen Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne also return, and Smith can be backed at 4.00 to be Team – Top Batsman.

Fresh from starring in the T20s, Travis Head can be backed at 3.75.

Australia ODI squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.

Duckett to open for England

England have also made changes, and it looks as though Ben Duckett will come into the side and open the batting with Phil Salt.

Will Jacks opened the batting with Salt in the T20s, but now Duckett will be handed the job of getting England off to a solid start.

Duckett, who will be playing at his home ground, Trent Bridge, can be backed at 4.33 to be Team – Top Batter, with Salt available at 3.75.

Harry Brook is set to skipper the side in the absence of Jos Buttler, who continues to battle back from a calf injury.

Liam Livingstone impressed in the T20 series, smashing 87 runs in the second match to help level the series at 1-1, and is sure to be a big threat.

England ODI squad: Harry Brook (c), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, John Turner.