IND vs AUS ODIs: Tendulkar, Ponting Lead Run Scoring Charts; Lee Top Wicket Taker

Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar is the leading run-getter for India in ODIs against Australia. The 'Master Blaster' notched up a staggering 3077 runs in 71 ODI games against Australia at a phenomenal average of almost 45.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 02: Brett Lee of Australia checks on Sachin Tendulkar of India after bowling a high delivery that hit him during the Commonwealth Bank One Day International Series first final match between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 2, 2008 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

India will be play their first ODI match in over eight months post a forced Covid-19 induced break when they take on Australia in the first of the 3-match ODI series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in a few hours from now. Virat-led 'Men in Blue' will be eager to continue their good run against Finch-led 'Aussies' as they beaten them thrice in the last five ODIs played between the two teams. The Indian team beat the Australians 2-1 in the last bilateral series played in India earlier this year in January. Hosts Australia come into the series high on confidence after beating arch rivals and World Champions England 2-1 in their last ODI series in September. The rivalry between India and Australia is one of the fiercest in international cricket as both teams have been formidable sides in the limited overs arena over the last decade and a half. Fans from either teams always get to witness some thrilling contests between the very best with the willow and white cherry taking on each other as both sides have been blessed with world class one day cricketers overs the years. Ahead of the first ODI between India and Australia, we take a look at the leading run scorers and top wicket takers in the bilateral engagements between the 2 powerhouses of ODI cricket Leading Run Scorers Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar is the leading run-getter for India in ODIs against Australia. The 'Master Blaster' notched up a staggering 3077 runs in 71 ODI games against Australia at a phenomenal average of almost 45. Ricky Ponting is the top run scorer for Australia in ODIs against India. The Australian batting great racked up 2208 runs in 40 games at an average of over 61. Top Century Makers Sachin Tendulkar tops the century making charts for India in ODIs against Australia with a record nine tons in 71 games. Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are joint second on the list with 8 centuries against Australia. Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting is the highest ton maker for Australia in ODIs against India with six centuries to his name. Highest Wicket Takers Australia's tearaway speedster Brett Lee has been the most successful bowler for his team against India in ODIs with 55 wickets in 32 matches. Indian's most successful seam all-rounder Kapil Dev holds the record for the most wickets taken by Indian bowler against Australia in ODIs with 45 dismissals in 41 games. Highest Individual Scores India's prolific opening batsman Rohit Sharma's mammoth double ton (209) against Australia in Bengaluru is the highest individual score by an Indian batsman against Australia in ODIs. George's Bailey whirlwind 156-run knock against India at Nagpur is the highest ODI score by an Australian batsman against the 'Men in Blue'.