India vs Aus ODI Series: In-form 'Men in Blue' hold edge against unsettled Kangaroos

The ODI series could serve as an ideal platform for both sides to fine tuning their respective squads for the 2019 ICC World Cup, which shall be held in England later in the year.

Virat Kohli

After scripting history by winning their maiden Test series on Australian soil, India take on hosts Australia in a three match ODI series with the first game being played in the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday. The ODI series could serve as an ideal  platform for both sides to fine tuning their respective squads for the 2019 ICC World Cup, which shall be held in England later in the year.

TEAM FORM 

 

Australia have been on a downward spiral in ODI cricket post the ball tampering scandal. They have lost two ODI series at home against England (4-1) and one against South Africa (2-1). Meanwhile, India come into the series high on confidence after beating the Windies 3-1 in a bilateral series recently played at home. India had a stellar run in 2018, drubbing South Africa 5-1 in their own backyard and lifting the Asia Cup in the UAE. However, the Indians would not like any sort of complacency creep in as they would factor in the loss in the last ODI series (1-4)  played between the two teams under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.

TEAM OVERVIEW

AUSTRALIA

Limited overs specialist Aaron Finch gets back to his prime role of opening the innings and leading the side. Finch is likely be partnered by wicket keeper batsman Andrew Carey who has shown his belligerent  hitting exploits in the Big Bash League. The Australians would look forward to seasoned campaigners Usman Khwaja and Shaun Marsh for providing them with the stability in the middle order. They have enough firepower in the form of dangerous power hitters in Glen Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis who can change the course of the game with some lofty hitting down the order. The wicket keeping gloves shall be donned by Tim Paine, who needs to contribute with the bat to stay in contention for a World Cup berth.

Australia would be without the services of their pace spearheads Mitchel Starc, Jos Hazelwood and Pat Cummins who have been rested keeping in view the World Cup and the Ashes against England later in the year. Meanwhile the fast bowling burden shall be shouldered by Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff. Test specialist Peter Sidde makes a comeback into the ODI side after a gap of eight long years. Nathan Lyon who has been their ace off spinner in Test cricket has been given a second lease of life in the limited overs format, just ahead of the World Cup. The surprise exclusion of Travis Head who was their in-form batsman last season has bewildered many fans across Australia.

Australia ODI Squad - Aaron Finch, Alex Carey, Shaun Marsh, Usman Khwaja, Peter Handscomb,Glen Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim Paine, Nathan Lyon, Kane Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Siddle, Bill Santalake and Adam Zampa

INDIA

The lethal opening duo of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma would resume their opening duties up the order. Indian skipper Virat Kohli would once again be the lynch-pin of the middle order, looking to play the sheet anchor's role in the middle. Ambati Rayadu who struck a purple patch in 2018 would love to further seal the No. 4 spot ahead of the World Cup. MS Dhoni would love to shrug off his rather subdued form with some quick fire knocks down the order. The side has good depth and balance with all-rounder in Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Kedar Jadhav. The likes of KL Rahul  and Dinesh Kartik, who are very much part of the World Cup mix need to fire whenever they provided with an opportunity.

The Indians have enough ammunition in both their seam and spin armoury to trouble the Aussies. In the absence of pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, left armer Mohammad Khaleel and Mohammad Siraj have a great opportunity to impress the selectors ahead of the World Cup. The spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Y Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja could once again play the decisive factor in turning the tide of the series in favour of India.

India ODI Squad - Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ambati Rayadu, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jhadav, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Khaleel, Mohammad Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Siraj

ICC ODI Ranking 

India - 2

Australia - 6