England’s limited-overs cricket, Eoin Morgan reckons that Australia will start favorites ahead of the upcoming T20I series saying that the hosts will be up against Australia’s “best XI”. England and Australia will play three T20Is and three ODIs, with the first T20I set to be played on Friday at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.

As per the quotes in cricket.com.au., Morgan said, “Probably Australia because they have their strongest squad here, so they’ll probably be putting out their best XI. If you’re to go on that I’d say they’re just favorites.”

ALSO READ: Harbhajan Singh Officially Announces opting Out Of IPL 2020

Despite Morgan declaring Australia as the favorites, the hosts will certainly be having some advantages in the series over Australia. Apart from the home conditions, the other advantage England will have is that the Aussies not played a competitive match in six months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On the other hand, England hosted a few series in the past couple of months, with strict guidelines and protocols put in place to safeguard players from the coronavirus. Most recently, England drew three-match T20I series against Pakistan in a three-match T20I series. Eoin Morgan also went on to term Australia the “best side in the world”.

Morgan explained, “When you grow up watching Ashes cricket or any game against Australia it’s always built up and seen as a pinnacle of anybody’s career. Regardless of the format that you play there is always a bit more on the line when you play against Australia.”

ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin Feels Isolation Period Was The Worst Phase

He further added, “Given the fact that Australia are normally one of the best sides in the world, I think that’s an added caveat to try and pit yourself against the best side in the world. So coming out of it, if you do play well and have a good day out or beat them there’s always a huge confidence booster with that.”