Chris Lynn specials & best bets – Australia vs. England T20

AUSTRALIA made a big statement in the opening clash of the inaugural Trans-Tasman T20 Tri-Series.

Big Billy Stanlake hammered home his international credentials with three early wickets in a stunning display of new-ball bowling against New Zealand on Saturday evening.

Andrew Tye continued his golden run with another clinical tail-mopping as the Kiwis crumbled to 9/117.

NZ struck back early with the big wickets of David Warner and debutante D’Arcy Short, but Chris Lynn (44 from 38 balls) and Glenn Maxwell (40 from 37 balls) made light work of a straightforward chase.

That performance sees the Aussies start as firm favourites against the mob that thrashed them 4-1 in the recent ODI series.

England carried that form into their warm-up clash against a strong Prime Minister’s XI last week.

David Willey starred with three wickets and a blistering 79 as the tourists dismantled a side that featured no fewer than seven Australian internationals.

Among them was star off-spinner Nathan Lyon, whom Willey took for 34 off a single over.

That knock could see the Yorkshire star open the batting at Hobart, while Test reps James Vince and David Malan are also a chance to play.

Superstar all-rounder Ben Stokes remains in absentia as he awaits a court ruling over assault charges.

Australia vs. England top batsman odds

Chris Lynn

• Top Australia runscorer – +333 at Ladbrokes
• Top match runscorer – +500 at Sportsbet

With Warner in a trough and Aaron Finch no certainty to play, Lynn looks the best bet in the Aussie top order. He didn’t have to get out of first gear on Saturday, so England had better pray he doesn’t get the chance to step it up a notch.

Jos Buttler

• Top England runscorer – +900 at CrownBet
• Top match runscorer – +2200 at Sportsbet

Jos Buttler was excellent in BBL07 and made some big contributions in the ODI series, including an unbeaten 100 in Sydney. The heavy-hitting keeper could line up anywhere in the batting order, but a fighting dig from six or seven is what we’re backing.

Best bets for top wicket-taker

Billy Stanlake

• Top Australia bowler – +350 at William Hill
• Man of the match – +1600 at Ladbrokes

Stanlake sent a message with his blistering opening spell against the Black Caps. Tall, straight and lightning fast, the Adelaide Strikers star will cause all sorts of problems for any batsman who doesn’t give him the respect he deserves.

David Willey

• Top England bowler – +500 at Sportsbet
• Man of the match – +1400 at Ladbrokes

The value on this guy is unreal. A career Twenty20 strike rate of 16.0 makes him the most potent bowler in the England squad, while his explosive batting also makes him a very strong candidate for man of the match at long odds.

Who will win – Australia or England?

As we said when Australia played NZ, the hosts have benefited from picking in-form players straight out of the BBL. England have a few of their own, not to mention all the guys who played so well in the 50-over games, but the hosts should have the momentum.

Top tip: Australia win/Chris Lynn top scorer (+500 at Ladbrokes)