Match: Australia vs India, 1st ODI (AUS vs IND)
Date: November 27, 2020
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground – Sydney, Australia
After a long wait, the Indian cricket team will finally be seen in action when they take on the Australian cricket team in the first ODI of the three match series. Virat Kohli’s men had created history on their last tour Down Under, as they had managed to win both the ODI and the Test series, however, they will have their task cut out this time around as the two stalwarts David Warner and Steven Smith will be a part of the series this time. On paper, the home team have plenty of firepower, with Marnus Labuschagne, skipper Aaron Finch, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and the pacers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in threatening form.
However, the Indians are no pushovers either, with a menacing pace attack to go with a well-rounded batting unit. They will be without the services of Rohit Sharma, however, which could prove to be a weak link.
Weather Update:
A cloudy day is expected on match day, but rain is expected to stay away.
Pitch Report:
The wicket in Sydney is one of the best to bat on in Australia, with a score of around 300 being par. Spinners will find help in the second half of the innings.
Toss Prediction:
The teams that will win the toss might opt to bat first and set a target on the board.
AUS Expected XI and Team News
Though Glenn Maxwell was in dismal form in the Indian Premier League, he was the Man of the Match in the last ODI series that Australia played, and the team could give him a go. Maxwell, along with Marcus Stoinis and Alex Carey will be manning the middle order.
Key players:
David Warner: The left-hander was in good form in the second half of the IPL, and helped his team finish third in the edition. He has a good record Down Under, and will be keen to carry on his destructive IPL form against a strong Indian team.
Josh Hazlewood: The pacer will play his first ODI in almost two years, and will be eager to leave his mark. He, along with Starc and Cummins, will form a lethal fast bowling attack.
Predicted XI:
David Warner, Aaron Finch(C), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Marcus Stonis, Glen Maxwell, Alex Carey(WK), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, Adam Zampa
IND Expected XI and Team News
The team faces a dilemma as far as the middle order is concerned. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal is expected to open, with three of Sanju Samson, Manish Pandey, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul slotting into the middle order.
Key Players:
Shikhar Dhawan: The left-hander was the second highest run-scorer in the recent IPL, and will be eager to lead the charge upfront in the absence of Rohit Sharma.
KL Rahul: The wicket-keeper has been a crucial player for the Men in Blue of late, and has performed well in any position. He is likely to bat at number five in the games against the Australians.
Predicted XI:
KL Rahul (WK), Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (C) Shreyas Iyer, Mayank Agarwal, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal
Head to head record of AUS vs IND:
The two teams have met each other 140 times, with the Australians dominating, winning 78 games as against the Indians, who have 52 wins. However, the Indians have managed to win the last two ODI series against the Aussies – in 2018/19, and at the start of the year.
MPL Fantasy Prediction for AUS vs IND
WK: KL Rahul has been picked as the wicket-keeper in the side. He has been in good form in the last few seasons across formats, and will enter the ODI series on the back of a successful IPL, where he had ended as the highest run-scorer.
Batsmen: Aaron Finch has been the highest run scorer for his team in the format this year, with 424 runs at an average of just over 47. David Warner has been in good form, and can run away with the game on his day, while Marnus Labuschagne has scored 352 runs this season and is the third highest run-scorer for Australia in ODIs this year. Virat Kohli is one of the best players of the era, and cannot be overlooked, while Shikhar Dhawan will be eager to lead from the front at the top. He had a good run in the IPL, and will be the key in the absence of Rohit Sharma.
All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis was the X-factor for his IPL team Delhi Capitals, as he consistently pitched in with both bat and ball. He can be a game-changer, and the team will have high expectations from him.
Bowlers: The spinner Adam Zampa is a must-pick in the MPL fantasy team, considering his form against India and in particular against Virat Kohli. Mitchell Starc is always a threat with his pacey left-arm bowling, and he will hope to get a few early wickets upfront. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have emerged as the most destructive pacers for the Indian team. Shami is the highest wicket-taker for India this year in the format, while Bumrah returned to his best in the IPL.
Captain and VC: David Warner and KL Rahul
Match Prediction for AUS vs IND:
Australia appears stronger on paper, and has a slight advantage. However, the Indians have a number of big match-players, who can be dangerous on their day. An exciting series awaits us, but Australia are the slight favourites.
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