Shane Watson-led Australia Masters will face England Masters in the upcoming 15th fixture of the International Masters League 2025 (IML 2025). Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium will host this game on Wednesday, March 12 (IST). The Aussies are looking in a good position in the points table with two consecutive wins in their last two matches.
They are coming off a huge 137-run win against South Africa Masters in the last game following a big 95-run win against India Masters. They are currently placed in the third spot on the table, winning and losing two games each in their four games so far. So, they will aim to win this game and strengthen their chances to qualify for the tournament’s knockout stage.
The predicted playing XI of the Australia Masters for their next clash against the England Masters:
Openers
Aussie management will not think twice before going ahead with the same and in-form opening pair of skipper Shane Watson and in-form batter Callum Ferguson. The duo stitched a sensational opening partnership of 186 runs in just 14.4 overs in the last game against South Africa Masters.
Shane Watson played an outstanding and unbeaten knock of 122 runs off just 61 balls, with nine fours and nine sixes. It was also his third century in the tournament’s current edition. Besides him, Callum Ferguson also smashed 85 runs off just 43 balls, with 11 fours and four sixes.
Middle-Order
The middle-order of the Australia Masters will start with the in-form number three batter and wicketkeeper, Ben Dunk who smashed 34 runs off just 16 balls, with two fours and three sixes in the previous game against SA Masters. His quick fiery knock played a vital role in taking Australia’s score of 260 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in the allotted 20 overs.
Dunk will be followed by Dan Christian at number four and Nathan Reardon at number five; Christian and Reardon might add some crucial runs with their power-hitting to help Australia post a massive total in the game against England Masters.
All-Rounders
Australia Masters might include Ben Cutting and Nathan Coulter-Nile as the all-rounders in their playing XI for the game against England Masters. Coulter-Nile and Cutting might be impactful for their side both with the bat and ball.
Coulter-Nile scalped 1 wicket at 17 runs in his two overs during the last game against SA Masters. Apart from Cutting can also bowl some crucial overs alongside a contribution with the bat.
Bowlers
The core bowling attack of the Australia Masters for the game against ENG Masters will include two spinners and two out-and-out pacers. The pace duo might include Ben Laughlin and Ben Hilfenhaus, alongside the spin duo of Bryce McGain and Xavier Doherty.
Ben Laughlin bowled the most successful spell in the last game against SA Masters, scalping 3 wickets at just 18 runs in his 4 overs. Besides him, Xavier Doherty and Bryce McGain also claimed 2 wickets each at 23 and 25 runs in their three and four-over spells, respectively. So, the bowling attack of the Aussie looks quite intact considering their playing XI plans for the next clash against England Masters.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.