With Australia have won the series 3-0 they are now playing the top cricket against India. Australia’s opening pair David Warner and Aaron Finch built a hundred run partnership. Warner, whose bat was stolen before the match by some unknown bloke, hammering the Indian bowlers, who yet to give captain MS Dhoni first breakthrough.
Australia were marching towards a big score. Meanwhile, commentators Harsha Bhogle, Brett Lee, VVS Laxman, Wasim Akram and Dean Jones have collectively asked a question which is the dream Indian XI against Australia.
Legendary Australian bowler Brett Lee said, for him two Indian openers are Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman will be the number three.
The criteria for selection was Indian players who played ODIs against Australia since 1985.
Top order (1,2 and 3)
Sunil Gavaskar
The legendary opener has played 27 ODIs against Australia. His only competition for this slot was Virender Sehwag. But, Gavaskar was more consistent against than Sehwag. Gavaskar in 27 matches scored 840 runs at an average of 36.52 while Sehwag scored 629 at an average of 21.68. Both Gavaskar and Sehwag did not have hundred against Australia.
Sachin Tendulkar
The master blaster was one of the batsmen who battered Australian batsman. Tendulkar has nine hundred and 15 fifty against Australia. In 70 innings Sachin scored 3077 at an average of 44.59. Sachin has no contender for this slot. Tendulkar’s highest score against Australia 175 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Virat Kohli
This Indian batting sensation is a terrific batter of Australian bowlers. He is a match winner. Virat Kohli, 27, played 22 matches so far against Australia and scored 888 runs at an average of 55.50. He hit four hundred and four fifty against Australia.
(No. 4 and 5)
VVS Laxman
Rohit Sharma has become the new tormentor of Australian bowling from India. But, before Sharma, there was another batsman who had specialised on Australian bowling. VVS Laxman be it Test or ODI he chewed Australian bowling attack batter than any other batsman. His career average was 30 plus but his average against Australia was 49.67. In 29 matches Laxman scored 2434 runs with six hundred.
Mohammad Azharuddin
The former Indian skipper was a prolific run scorer and a technically equipped batsman. He played 43 matches against Australia and scored 990 runs at an average of 28.28. His average is better than any other Indian batsman at this position. Azhar has no hundred against Australia. He has six fifty against Australia.
(No. 6 and 7)
MS Dhoni
For the slot of wicketkeeper-batsman, MS Dhoni has no contender. Dhoni in 35 innings scored 1221 runs at an average of 43.60. He has two hundred against Australia and six-half century. Dhoni as a wicket-keeper has 47 dismissals in his name. He has taken 35 catches and 12 stumps out.
Ravi Shastri
This former Indian allrounder has won the Benson and Hodges trophy. He was adjudged man of the series for his performance with bat and ball. In 31 matches Shastri has scored 616 runs at an average of 26.87. He has one hundred and four half-centuries against Australia. Meanwhile, with the bat in hand he has taken 27 wickets at an average of 34.
(No 8)
Anil Kumble
Leg-spinner Kumble will be the sole spinner of the of this team. This legendary tweaker has taken 31 wickets in 29 matches. Traditionally Australian are weak against spin. So Kumble will be a better spinner than any other former and current Indian spinner.
(No. 9,10 and 11)
Kapil Dev
Legendary Indian allrounder was tremendous crickter. With the ball in hand, he has taken 45 wickets in 41 ODIs at an average of 27.68. And with the bat in hand he has scored 655 runs. He is, without a doubt, is the best allrounder Indian has ever produced.
Ajit Agarkar
Agarkar is the most successful Indian bowlers against Australia. He has taken 36 wickets in 21 matches at an average of 28.41. He ability to break any big partnership makes him favourite to be bowling spearhead of India’s attack. Agarkar is also capable of playing cameo if required.
Javagal Srinath
He is another consistent bowler who played 229 ODIs for India. Srinath in 29 matches has taken 33 matches. He has conceded 1214 runs. His best bowling figure against Australia is 4 wickets for 30 runs.