Strauss expects Australian backlash in Cardiff ODI

Cardiff (Wales, UK), June 24 (ANI): England captain Andrew Strauss has saidt he is expecting an Australian backlash in game two of their one-day series in Cardiff tonight.

The home side grabbed opening honours in the five-game series with a four-wicket win in Southampton yesterday on the back of Eoin Morgan's memorable hundred.

An England series victory would hand the hosts bragging rights in all three forms of the game against Australia.

But Strauss said his side had to be on the look out for an Australian revival.

"It's one game of cricket and, Australia being Australia, they'll come back hard at us for these remaining games so let's not pat ourselves on the back too much just yet," The Sun quoted Strauss, as saying.

Meanwhile, Australia has some decisions to make at the selection table.

Seamer Clint McKay may be recalled as the Sophia Gardens pitch is expected to play lower and slower than the Rose Bowl.

Spin bowling all-rounder Steve Smith may also come into the reckoning as the Cardiff pitch has traditionally taken turn.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting expected a much better showing from his men in Wales, the match starting at 11.30pm Australian time.

"I thought we were a long way from our best but we still remained pretty competitive so if there are any positives out of the game that's it," Ponting said post-match in Southampton. (ANI)