Australia vs England Prediction and Betting Tips: Back Salt to be top runscorer at the Kensington Oval

England’s rivalry with Australia is one of the oldest in sport and they will add another chapter to its history when they meet at the Kensington Oval for this T20 World Cup game.

Australia opened their account with a comfortable win over Oman in their first match, while England suffered a washout when they met Scotland in their first clash.

Barring a disaster both teams are likely to qualify for the next stage of the competition but a victory in this game would be a real confidence booster against their trophy rivals.

Australia are comfortable favourites to win this clash but England may have been slightly underrated.

Their bowlers made heavy weather of their game against Scotland before it was rained off but England should be sharper for that outing, particularly the fast-paced duo of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer who have both struggled with their fitness.

Observers of Australia’s win over Oman are unlikely to have learned much about the 2021 champions as they did not have to get out of second gear to secure success.

However, England have a big advantage in the head-to-head battle between these nations in this format, winning seven of the last eight T20Is between the pair.

The tournament’s defending champions may well have been underestimated by the oddsmakers and England could record a big victory over their rivals.

Phil Salt has emerged as England’s T20 opener over the last 18 months with a number of eye-catching performances.

The big-hitter made 435 runs in 12 Indian Premier League matches this season when replacing Jason Roy for the Kolkata Knight Riders, hitting at a strike rate of 182 and an average of 39.54.

He made two T20 centuries in his side’s tour of the West Indies last summer so clearly enjoys these conditions and is a strong selection to be England’s top runscorer in this match.

Mitchell Starc has been a perpetual thorn in England’s side throughout his long and illustrious career and that could continue in this clash.

The 34-year-old took 2/20 from three overs in Australia’s win over Oman and he was a major factor in Kolkata Knight Riders winning the Indian Premier League this year.

The left-armer took five wickets in KKR’s last two games of the campaign and 17 in the competition as a whole.

Back Starc to be Australia’s top wicket-taker against England in Barbados.