Cricket: Champions Trophy Group A preview – fixtures, squads, head-to-head stats and more

The Champions Trophy is a phoenix of sorts. The last time it was, back in 2013 – also in England – it was supposed to be the tournament’s swansong. But uncertainty over the Test Championship which was eventually scrapped meant the International Cricket Council (ICC) revived the jamboree, and here we are again.

Despite one-day cricket suffering a bit of an identity crisis, the relatively short and sharp format of the tournament means interest in it remains relatively constant. That it is played by the best one-day teams in the world means far fewer lopsided contests and with the qualification process introduced in 2009 it offers something that is far too often lacking in international cricket: context.

As a result, for the first time since the tournament’s inception, the West Indies will not be there. Bangladesh take their place, returning to the competition for the first time since their debut appearance back in 2006.

As the cliché goes, the format means there is no room for error. Or rain, for that matter. The latter obstacle isn’t exactly ideal considering the location of the tournament, but it simply means that teams need to be so much more focused on churning out results. The good news is that of the hundreds of one-day matches played in England since the 1970s, less than 10% have been no results. The bad news is that, as we saw during the final in 2013, it sometimes means a final is reduced to a 20-over-a-side shootout… to decide the winner of a 50-over competition.

Who is in Group A?

Australia, Bangladesh, England and New Zealand.

Team to watch

Bangladesh could be a thorn in the side of a few teams yet. Since 2015, they have a better win-loss ratio in the one-day format than Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. Their slower bowlers are cunning and unfamiliar to many of their competitors since they so rarely play each other. Bangladesh’s batting is slightly dubious – a problem in the modern-day era where scoring over 350 is no longer considered unusual – and could very well be the thing that stands between them and progressing to the final.

Player to watch

New Zealand and Australia have two batsmen each in the top five run-scorers since 2015. Martin Guptill (2461 runs), Kane Williamson (2316 runs) as well as David Warner (2407 runs and Steve Smith (2180 runs) have made hay and will benefit from what is likely to be a high-scoring tournament. However, New Zealand’s Trent Boult will be a feast for sore eyes and those who prefer bowling skill over batting clobbering. When the Black Caps toured the country in 2015, he took four for 55 and two for 53 in matches where England amassed 408 and 365 respectively.

Prediction

Australia were knocked out in the group stage back in 2013, but have won the title twice – in 2006 and 2009. They also have an impressive World Cup record, but the side has been marred by an ugly pay dispute which could hinder their preparation. As hosts, England are favourites and have been playing some excellent cricket recently. We’re going with a wildcard prediction: New Zealand to progress alongside the hosts.

Quote, unquote

“It is such an interesting tournament because it is such a short tournament. There is not much time for slip-ups or conservative cricket.” – New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on what to expect.

Group A squads

Australia: Steven Smith(c), David Warner, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Sunzamul Islam, Mehedi Hasan, Shafiul Islam.

England: Eoin Morgan(c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Alex Hales, Jos Buttler, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson(c), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Jeetan Patel, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

Group A fixtures and head-to-head results (all times SAST)

1 June: England v Bangladesh, 11:30 (Played 19, England won 15, Bangladesh won 4)

2 June: Australia v New Zealand, 11:30 (Played 135, Australia won 90, New Zealand won 39, NR 6)

5 June: Australia v Bangladesh, 14:30 (Played 19, Australia won 18, Bangladesh won 1)

6 June: England v New Zealand, 11:30 (Played 83, England won 36, New Zealand won 41, Tied 2, NR 4)

9 June: New Zealand v Bangladesh, 11:30 (Played 30, New Zealand won 21, Bangladesh won 9)

10 June: England v Australia 11:30 (Played 136, England won 51, Australia won 80, Tied 2, NR 3). DM

Photo: Ben Stokes of England celebrates with teammate David Wiese of South Africa during the Momentum One Day International 4th match between South Africa and England at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on February 12, 2016 Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix