Marcus Stoinis believes Australia’s hot streak in one-day internationals outweighs their recent dismal record against England ahead of next week’s mouthwatering World Cup clash.
David Warner’s 166 from 147 deliveries, his second century of the tournament, led Australia to a 13th victory in their past 14 ODIs after they saw off Bangladesh by 48 runs at Trent Bridge.
Warner and Steve Smith both missed last year’s 5-0 whitewash defeat in England because they were suspended for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal.
Mushfiqur led the fight for ?? but the Aussies just had too much on the board, with Warner’s century and good hands from Finch, Khawaja and Maxwell.
?? go top of the table! #CWC19 | #RiseOfTheTigers | #CmonAussie pic.twitter.com/alYr8TRFox
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 20, 2019
England may have won nine of the last 10 ODIs between the sides but Stoinis feels it counts for little ahead of Australia’s meeting with the tournament hosts and favourites at Lord’s on Tuesday.
Stoinis said: “I think the fact we’ve won 13 out of 14 gives us confidence going into that game. Everyone’s been working towards this (tournament) for a long time.
“We’ve got two of the best players in the world that have come back into our side at the right time. We’re playing at the right time for us.”
Stoinis returned to Australia’s line-up in Nottingham, taking the crucial wicket of Shakib Al Hasan, after missing the wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka because of a side strain he suffered in the loss to India.
He said: “My initial thought when I did it was ‘oh no, I’m out of the World Cup’. But once I was better I was OK.
“I spent a bit of time with the physio and the doc. A lot of ice at midnight, but only for the first night. After that it was just regulation.
“The last couple of weeks have been so exciting – a bit of a roller coaster – but then I was so down in the dumps that I hurt myself the other day. Now I’m stoked that I’m back in the team and doing my thing.”
Australia’s fifth win in six leaves them well placed for a top-four finish and progression to the semi-finals but Bangladesh’s hopes are on a knife edge after a third loss.
Tamim, though, refuses to believe their tournament is over, saying: “We still have a chance.
“I don’t think any of my team-mates are thinking along those lines (of being knocked out). We have a chance if we win three matches.”
