India vs Australia, 1st ODI, Mumbai - Match Prediction
Updated - 13 Jan 2020, 08:42 PM
The three-match ODI series between India and Australia is going to be a battle to watch out for. Both the teams are at the peak of their prowess and they would aim to draw first blood in the series. In fact, Australia will play their first ODI after their heartbreaking loss against arch-rivals England in the semifinal of the World Cup 2019.
On the other hand, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has made it clear that he will play all three openers (Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and KL Rahul) in the final XI. Rahul has been in fine form and had grabbed his chances in the absence of Dhawan. Consequently, Kohli might demote himself in the batting order which means everyone will bat one place lower than their usual position.
It will be a thrilling contest.
Furthermore, Shardul Thakur and Navdeep Saini had impressed in the T20I series against Sri Lanka and it will be a tough job for the think tank to choose one between them. Shami and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to the front line fast bowlers of the team.
Meanwhile, Australia has been in scintillating form. It is going to be a stronger side as compared to the tour of 2019 with the return of Steven Smith and David Warner. Moreover, Marnus Labuschagne will look to take his Test form into ODI cricket. The visitors also have a potent bowling unit as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will look to leave their mark.
However, Australia will miss the firepower of Glenn Maxwell who was awarded the Man of the series in the two-match T20I series in 2019. Subsequently, Marnus Labuschagne and Ashton Turner will have huge shoes to fill in.
These two ??☄️@Jaspritbumrah93 & @navdeepsaini96 firing on all cylinders #TeamIndia #INDvAUS @Paytm pic.twitter.com/nrvKLnpnSj
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 13, 2020
Match Prediction: India will know that to beat a team like Australia, they need to be on their toes. The Wankhede is expected to be run-fest and the team winning the toss would look to chase the target as the dew will come into play.
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Aaron Finch India National Cricket Team Virat Kohli
