Has your excitement fallen before every cricket match of India? Are you that kind of cricket lover who avoids one-sided cricket matches? If yes, then you must be a bit disappointed with the result of the recently concluded series between India and Sri Lanka which was, unfortunately, a one-sided affair. Except for the 2nd ODI where Akila Dananjaya shattered India’s batting order, the visitors were comfortable in every game they played. Indian fans from around the world did express their happiness over this victory but were also unhappy the way series culminated. There was no fight between the two sides.
Now, with the series against Australia is on the verge, the Indian fans would be hoping to get some fight from the Kangaroos. Their record against India is impressive, but the Indians are in a terrific form especially in their den. The last ODI series in India in 2013 was completely dominated by the Indian batting line-up; thanks to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who smashed every Aussie bowler out of the park.
Australia has started their campaign on a high note against Board President’s XI; beating them by 103 runs. They would like to continue this form against the power-packed Indian side, including World No. 1 Virat Kohli and Mr. Cool MS Dhoni. Almost all players of Australia have spent some crucial time in India during the last 2-3 seasons of the IPL, which will give them an extra advantage over some other countries. Also, with the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell in the squad, they would be looking to dominate the home side.
India, on the other hand, will lose the services of Shikhar Dhawan in the first 3 ODIs, as the southpaw has requested the board to release him due to his wife’s illness. With this incident, things became clearer for Ajinkya Rahane as he might open the innings for his side. The right-handed batsman, who won the Man of the Series award against West Indies, would look to continue his sublime form. He, along with Rohit Sharma would like to keep Aussies on the back foot. Bearing in mind KL Rahul’s disastrous form against Sri Lanka at No. 4, there could be a possibility for him to open the innings.
There is no doubt that Australia can play better cricket than Sri Lanka against India as their line-up includes some of the greats that can put some pressure on the Indians.
India Squad – 1st, 2nd & 3rd ODI:
Virat Kohli(c), Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Ajinkya Rahane, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami
Australia ODI Squad:
David Warner, Steven Smith(c), Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson
