India vs Australia, second ODI: Match Preview and Dream XI
It seemed like India could have a close finish in the opening ODI in Hyderabad, but the middle-order did well enough to make the chase look comfortable as they tamed the Aussies by six wickets. With Nagpur being a happy hunting ground for India against Australia, they would look to continue the winning momentum to remain in the driver's seat. Here's the pre-match report.
The story in Hyderabad
Winning the toss, Australia posted an average total of 236 for seven, courtesy a half-century by Usman Khawaja, while Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two each. In reply, it was MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav, whose prolific 141-run stand allowed India to seal the game, while the Australian bowlers couldn't do much, despite Nathan Coulter-Nile and Adam Zampa's dominance.
Australia's form a matter of concern, India on a roll
As for the team form, Australia have lost four of their last five matches, while their last win was against India in January at the SCG. On the other hand, India have been on a roll, ever since losing the ODI series in 2018 against England, away from home. Therefore, Australia seriously need to bounce back to draw confidence before the series against Pakistan.
Kedar Jadhav, Usman Khawaja among players to watch out for
Australian opener Usman Khawaja was the lone batsman in the side to have hit a half-century in Hyderabad, and would be backed again to perform. For India, Kedar Jadhav, who was the star in the middle-order in Hyderabad, would again be the center of attraction. Apart from them, Mohammed Shami and Nathan Coulter-Nile are also the ones to be looked out for.
Nagpur: A happy hunting ground for India against Australia
The new Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur has hosted India five times till date, of which they have lost two. All the three wins on this ground for India have come against Australia, thereby maintaining a clean sheet against the Kangaroos. As for Australia, they have played just three at the ground and lost all of them.
India likely to stick with winning combination, Australia contemplate change
India have been on a winning spree in the ODIs, therefore there is hardly any chance that skipper Virat Kohli would want to fiddle with the winning combination. However, we do have a feeling that Yuzvendra Chahal could get a game. As for Australia, Shaun Marsh is likely to come in for Ashton Turner in the XI, while Jhye Richardson could replace Jason Behrendorff.
Kohli, Jadhav among top picks in Dream XI
To select the best XI, one cannot go without top players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Dhoni makes it as wicketkeeper, while all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is the top pick for Australia. Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb are the other batsmen, while Vijay Shankar and Jadhav take up the slots of all-rounders. Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav form the bowling line-up.
