Blaster Buttler could get stuck into Australia attack

T20 International
BT Sport 1, 8.40am Wednesday

England have experienced highs and some extreme lows during their three-month tour of Australia.

Dismantled 4-0 in the Ashes Tests, the Three Lions roared back in devastating style in January's five-match ODI series to claim a 4-1 victory.

Their attention now switches to the shortest format of all as they begin their Trans-Tasman Tri-Series campaign against the Aussies in Hobart – a ground they have yet to play at in their three month stay in Oz.

Best bets
While Test performances have been frustratingly inconsistent under Trevor Bayliss, England's Australian coach has brought about significant improvement in the limited-overs arena.

Bayliss has transformed a side who looked out of touch with the modern game at the 2015 World Cup into arguably the most exciting white-ball side in world cricket with captain Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler afforded freedom to play an instinctive and dynamic style.

Buttler, in particular, was at his devastating best in the third ODI between the sides when he smashed an unbeaten century off just 83 balls.

That knock followed a successful six-match Big Bash League spell with Sydney Thunder where he scored 202 in six innings including two half-centuries.

With doubts over the fitness of Jason Roy at the top of the order and Joe Root being rested for the series, number five Buttler should get ample opportunity to get stuck into the Australian attack once again.

Keep an eye out if BBL sensation D'Arcy Short is given the nod for Australia. Short topped the Big Bash runscoring charts with 572 at an average of 57.20 and also led the way in the six-hitting stakes, plundering 26 maximums.

On his home ground, the Hobart blaster is a live 9-2 shot if he features.

Venue
Home to Big Bash runners-up Hobart Hurricanes, the Bellerive Oval has hosted just two T20 internationals, both of which Australia won.

There was an average of 11.5 sixes per game there in the BBL this season although 22 maximums were scored when England visited in 2014.

Recommedation
J Buttler top England runscorer
1pt 5-1 general

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