Ind vs Aus ODI series: The India team is set to begin its full-fledged two-month tour to Australia with the three-match ODI series scheduled to start from November 27.
In particular, India will be playing international cricket after nine months and are likely to face many obstacles during their grueling tour.
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As Virat Kohli’s team from India gears up for their upcoming Down Under tour, here we take a look at the top five challenges the Men in Blue will face against Australia in ODI’s three-match series.
Rohit Sharma’s absence: Rohit is India’s second leading scorer against Australia in ODIs with 2208 runs to his name and the ‘Hitman’ even scored a century when the two teams met in their last ODI series in January. Also, given that Rohit is one of the best pull-shot players, India will surely miss his presence on the inflatable courts of Australia. Furthermore, the management of the Indian team is now faced with a big question: what will be the ideal opening combination in the absence of Rohit?
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Return of Smith and Warner: In addition to Virat Kohli, Steve Smith is arguably the most profitable hitter in the world and his presence lends stability to the Australian batting order. It really takes a good bowling alley to dislodge him, otherwise he can only hit and hit.
Speaking of Warner, he’s one of the most dangerous hitters at the top of the order and can take down oppositions without help. The left-handed boats a good record against India having managed 838 runs in 19 games to 49.29 including three tons. Interestingly, Warner has yet to register a duck against India in the ODI.
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Australia is very confident: While India returns to the international arena after nine months, Australia last played the ODI series against England in September. Therefore, the team led by Aaron Finch has not been away from international cricket for a long time and that will give them an advantage over India. Furthermore, Australia will be very confident as they defeated England 2-1 in the three-match ODI series that is also at home.
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Batting order depth: With the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins present in their lineup, Australia has batting depth to fear. Even for world-class bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, it will be a grueling task to dismantle Australian batting.
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Mitchell Starc: The left arm pacemaker did not play at IPL 2020 because he wanted to prepare for this year’s T20 World Cup, which was postponed until 2021. Thus, Starc is well rested and his fresh legs will be a huge advantage for the Australians. and worry about the India team.
Also, Starc was in excellent shape during the ODIs against England and cast some hostile spells. He has since returned to action for New South Wales at the Sheffield Shield, where he has done well with both bat and ball and even missed his first-class century when his captain in New South Wales ( NSW) declared with him batting at 86.
ODI India vs Australia Series Schedule
First ODI: November 27, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), 9:10 AM IST
Second ODI: November 29, SCG, 9:10 am IST
Third ODI: December 2, Manuka Oval, 9:10 am IST
