India vs Australia, first ODI: Preview, Dream XI and more
The Indian cricket team will be wanting to move on from the disappointment it underwent after losing successive T20I series against New Zealand and Australia. The focus will now be on the 50-over-format as India and Australia gear up for the first ODI of the five-match series starting on Saturday. Here is everything you need to know.
India set to continue with experiments
Australia exposed some weaknesses of India in the recently-concluded T20I series and the hosts will be wanting to rectify the same. India are following an experimental method in trying out players ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019. So one would expect the same in this series as India could go ahead with several team compositions and make sure players are ready.
Pant and Rahul the main focus for the ODI series
Pant had a dismal time in the T20Is and this is his final chance of impressing the management and the selectors. The youngster is fighting for a berth in India's World Cup squad and this series serves as a perfect platform to gain vitality. Back-up opener Rahul took his chances in the shortest format. He will be keen to continue in the same vein.
India need to be sure of their bowling composition
The absence of Hardik Pandya will hurt India. One could see Vijay Shankar or Ravindra Jadeja coming on as the fifth bowler. The question remains that can Shankar get you 10 overs? That's why the presence of Kedar Jadhav is vital. He can chip in with the ball and share the load. India need to be sure of their bowling as a whole.
Australia will go in with their confidence high
Australia will derive plenty of confidence from the T20I series victory. They have a strong bowling unit and the batting will need to compliment the same. Aaron Finch has struggled immensely. The Aussie skipper has plenty to do. Glenn Maxwell's exploits in the T20Is could see him be promoted up the order. He will need to take the charge as a senior player.
IND vs AUS: Here's our choice of the Dream XI
D'Arcy Short and KL Rahul are the candidates to open the batting in this fantasy XI team. Virat Kohli gets the captaincy nod. He is followed by Ambati Rayudu and wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni. Glenn Maxwell and Kedar Jadhav are the two all-rounders. Kuldeep Yadav is the lone main spinner. The pace department sees Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff feature.
Timing, TV listing and India's performances at this venue
The first ODI between the two sides will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. The match is set to start at 1:30 PM IST on Saturday. One can stream the match live on Hotstar. The match will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad. India have played five ODIs here and have won just two matches.
