A gigantic clash is on the cards when ambitious India take on the present World Champions Australia on Sunday (September 17) in the five-match one-day international series-opener in Chennai. India are flying high at the moment, having swept Sri Lanka across all formats, but Australia seem to be a much tougher challenge even in home conditions, at least on paper.
Overall both the teams have faced each other 123 times in ODIs and Australia clearly enjoys an upper hand with as many as 72 wins. India on the other hand have managed only 41 wins. Australia have done well in India with 25 wins in 51 matches and even in Australia and neutral venues, Australia are clearly leading in stats.
However, the Virat Kohli-led Indian team would believe that they can win against any opposition on a given day. With more boxes ticked than otherwise, India will have few issues to address in the series like the no. 4 slot and the no. 6 slot. In a batting line-up of fantastic stroke players, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are proven match winners and game changers. India can chase down anything these days with MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli averaging more than 100 in successful run chases. When it comes to putting totals on the board, India can put good totals when batting first.
With Jasprit Bumrah’ Yorkers coming in and Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav both having the ability to bowl economically as well as provide breakthroughs, the inclusion of Mohammad Shami has only strengthened India’s pace attack. Spin on the other hand hasn’t been a matter of concern, even when regular spinner R Ashwin is rested as part of the rotation policy, the spinners have done a commendable job so far.Ravindra Jadeja’s late inclusion in the team might just give them the right mix.
The in-form left-handed batsman Shikhar Dhawan’s absence from the side for the first three matches makes the lineup from top to lower-middle order entirely right handed. This will prevent the right and left hand combination to unsettle the bowler’s rhythm. Shikhar Dhawan’s absence as an opener might also be felt, but Ajinkya Rahane is likely to feature in the playing 11 in place of Dhawan and take his place at the top of the order. Although the spin department has performed well, in pressure situations, the lack of experience in the spin department can cost India big time. Jadeja will lead the spin attack.
Australia also will back themselves to achieve the results in their favour. The stylish left-hander David Warner is a threat against any bowling unit, Steve Smith is one of the modern day greats and the Virat Kohli versus Steve Smith rivalry will inevitably be a USP of the series; in particular Smith loves scoring runs against the Indians. Glenn Maxwell on his day can make a joke of the bowling attack and Australia would hope that he clicks in the series. As a fielding unit, the Aussies are outstanding.
The Aussies will definitely miss the services of their pace unit spearheads Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood. The unfit Aaron Finch will also not be available for selection which will leave Warner as the only designated opener in the side. The spin department also looks weak, however with most of the Indian batsmen being right handers, Ashton Agar, the left arm spinner might have a good time in India.
Given the strengths and weaknesses of both the teams, the first match becomes all the more crucial and will generate some kind of momentum going into the further matches. India versus Australia will be nothing short of a great contest when the teams lock horns at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, this Sunday, September 17 at 1:30 pm (IST).
