Australia's Explosive Batting, Lethal Seam Unit Could Test Indians In Their Backyard

The Aussies would also take confidence from their last ODI assignment in India where they clinched a hard fought 3-2 series won over the 'Men in Blue' just ahead of the 2019 ICC World Cup

Australia's Explosive Batting, Lethal Seam Unit Could Test Indians In Their Backyard/ Photo: AFP

New Delhi: Aaron Finch-led Australia are all set to take on India in a 3-match ODI series with the first match slated to be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. The Australians would look to take revenge from the 'Kohli brigade' after losing 1-2 to them in the 3-match ODI series played 'Down Under' in 2019. Meanwhile, the Aussies would also take confidence from their last ODI assignment in India where they clinched a hard fought 3-2 series won over the 'Men in Blue' just ahead of the 2019 ICC World Cup. When the two sides met in the round robin stage at the 2019 Cricket World Cup, India came out victorious by 36 runs in a high scoring encounter. Recent Form The 'Kangaroos' come into the series on the back of a highly successful year in ODI cricket which saw them winning 16 out of their 23 matches in 2019, with the World Cup semi final being the highlight of their white ball cricket campaign. The Australians are also high on confidence after blanking Pakistan (5-0) in their last ODI series played in the United Arab Emirates. Team Preview The Australian ODI unit has the firepower both with the willow and red cherry to challenge the formidable Indian team in their den. Warner-Finch To Provide Opening Salvo Up The Order The return of the experienced batting duo of David Warner and Steve Smith has bolstered the Yellow Brigade's batting unit. The tried and tested opening pair of Aaron Finch and David Warner would resume their duties at the top of the order. The explosive duo would look to make the most of the batting friendly conditions on offer. Meanwhile, the visitors have a swashbuckling opener in D'Arcy Short who can be used as a backup if one of either Finch or Warner fails with the bat. Steve Smith spearheads solid middle order The No.3 slot could see either Peter Handscomb or new Test batting sensation Marnus Labuschagne batting at the pivotal spot. The ever dependable Steve Smith will form the nucleus of the middle order at 4, playing the sheet anchor's role for the team which he does to perfection. Australia Do Bat Deep With Firepower In Lower Middle Order Despite the absence of their star all-rounders Glen Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis who would be dearly missed, the Aussies have firepower in the lower middle order which can produce those match-winning camoes with their big hitting. Ashton Turner and wicket-keeper batsman Alex Carey can use the long handle to good effect to play some game changing knocks. The Aussies do bat deep with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins more than handy with the bat down the order. Lethal Pace Attack The Australian pace attack is lethal by any means with world class seamers in Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Jos Hazlewood, all of whom have been in rich wicket taking form in white ball cricket. Both Starc and Cummins are very effective with new ball, with their ability to wreak havoc with their menacing pace and seam. Meanwhile, Kane Richardson adds variation to the pace attack with his left arm seam. Zampa Spearheads spin attack Leg spinner Adam Zampa would be the front-line seamer for the visitors, hoping to pick up wickets on spin friendly tracks. Australia also have Ashton Agar who can bowl alongside Smith if the conditions deem necessary. They have part-time spinners in Ashton Turner, Marnus Labuchagne and Steve Smith who can roll over their arms to fill in the overs. So an exciting series will unfold when two giants of one day international cricket lock horns with each other in a high voltage series to reignite their rivalry at the very top in white ball cricket. Australia Squad For ODI Series Against India - Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (vc, wk), David Warner, D’Arcy Short, Steve Smith Marnus Labuschagne, Pat Cummins (vc), Ashton Agar, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson , Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Ashton Turner