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On paper, this is a brilliant prospect. India playing Australia in conditions where the World Cup is set to be played in two weeks. Both have well-rounded teams, seem to possess an extra gear for big tournaments, and spur each other on like few other teams can. So, this opportunity to go up against each other before the World Cup showdown in Chennai is worth its weight in gold, but look closer and the series feels like a surplus in a very crowded international calendar.
No wonder Pat Cummins, addressing the media ahead of the series opener, spoke of not wanting to "already be cooked" for the World Cup. And that's what the signalling has been from India too; the hosts have decided to catch a breath after a rainy yet rigorous campaign at the Asia Cup and will be, as a result, without several first-choice players for the first two ODIs. Regular captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been rested alongside Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav, whom India "don't want to expose a lot" ahead of the World Cup, according to captain Rohit Sharma. So the onus will be on Australia to take what they can out of this series.
India, even without the full World Cup squad at their disposal, look strong and have a few questions to answer. Can KL Rahul finally get on a roll with good form behind him? Can Suryakumar Yadav crack the ODI format, especially with Tilak Verma breathing down his neck? Can Ravindra Jadeja, India's second all-rounder, find a way to get back among the runs? And can Ravichandran Ashwin be the saviour again if India's condition-dictated bowling allrounder in Axar Patel, doesn't make it in time? And don't forget Shreyas Iyer, who missed most of the Asia Cup with a back spasm, but is likely to audition for his form and fitness in the three ODIs that follow.
On the other hand, Australia will be licking their lips at playing India in India before a World Cup; there's perhaps no better preparation. They will be bolstered by the return of Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell, whose experience they missed in the 3-2 loss to South Africa that they succumbed to after being 2-0 up in the series.
This series will also be about life without Travis Head, whose fractured left hand has made him an unlikely candidate for the World Cup. His absence, though, would mean that Mitchell Marsh returns to open the innings, a position he had given up (as stand-in captain) for the returning David Warner. However, as fate would have it, he's all set to partner Warner up top come Friday, and come the World Cup.
It's perfect that the teams have the first knockout in Mohali, the setting for many a heart-stopper between the sides. The venue, having missed out on hosting the World Cup, will be looking forward to this contest with extra sincerity and emotion. Luckily for them, India vs Australia seldom disappoints, and never in Mohali.
When: India vs Australia, 1st ODI on Friday, 22 September 2023, 1:30 PM local
Where: Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
What to expect: A lot of runs. Mohali hasn't hosted an ODI in over four years but expect a flat pitch like you find here for more regular T20 cricket. The longer square boundaries should again add a tactical dimension to the cricket on display. In the last five ODIs here, pacers (43) have picked more wickets than the spinners (22) but have also been less economical. The weather is set to be warm with clear skies.
Team news:
India
Axar Patel is unavailable at the moment and Kuldeep Yadav has been rested, so Ravichandran Ashwin should slot in straightaway. Ishan Kishan, who India see as a spin-hitter in the middle overs, is also a back-up opener and is likely to partner Gill at the top. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami are all available for the three ODIs but expect the first two pacers to feature in Mohali.
Australia
Yet another well-directed bouncer has meant that Marnus Labuschagne, who was left out of the World Cup squad, is back in the scheme of things. Glenn Maxwell, who missed the ODI series against South Africa with an ankle injury, will be rested in Mohali in view of a "more managed preparation" for him in the leadup to the World Cup. Australia captain Pat Cummins also confirmed that Mitchell Starc won't feature in the first ODI. The team management will have an eye on Adam Zampa, who has been a mixed bag in India so far.
Squads:
Australia Squad: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey(w), Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins(c), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Matthew Short, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer Sangha
India Squad: Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w/c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar
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No wonder Pat Cummins, addressing the media ahead of the series opener, spoke of not wanting to "already be cooked" for the World Cup. And that's what the signalling has been from India too; the hosts have decided to catch a breath after a rainy yet rigorous campaign at the Asia Cup and will be, as a result, without several first-choice players for the first two ODIs. Regular captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been rested alongside Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav, whom India "don't want to expose a lot" ahead of the World Cup, according to captain Rohit Sharma. So the onus will be on Australia to take what they can out of this series.
India, even without the full World Cup squad at their disposal, look strong and have a few questions to answer. Can KL Rahul finally get on a roll with good form behind him? Can Suryakumar Yadav crack the ODI format, especially with Tilak Verma breathing down his neck? Can Ravindra Jadeja, India's second all-rounder, find a way to get back among the runs? And can Ravichandran Ashwin be the saviour again if India's condition-dictated bowling allrounder in Axar Patel, doesn't make it in time? And don't forget Shreyas Iyer, who missed most of the Asia Cup with a back spasm, but is likely to audition for his form and fitness in the three ODIs that follow.
On the other hand, Australia will be licking their lips at playing India in India before a World Cup; there's perhaps no better preparation. They will be bolstered by the return of Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell, whose experience they missed in the 3-2 loss to South Africa that they succumbed to after being 2-0 up in the series.
This series will also be about life without Travis Head, whose fractured left hand has made him an unlikely candidate for the World Cup. His absence, though, would mean that Mitchell Marsh returns to open the innings, a position he had given up (as stand-in captain) for the returning David Warner. However, as fate would have it, he's all set to partner Warner up top come Friday, and come the World Cup.
It's perfect that the teams have the first knockout in Mohali, the setting for many a heart-stopper between the sides. The venue, having missed out on hosting the World Cup, will be looking forward to this contest with extra sincerity and emotion. Luckily for them, India vs Australia seldom disappoints, and never in Mohali.
When: India vs Australia, 1st ODI on Friday, 22 September 2023, 1:30 PM local
Where: Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
What to expect: A lot of runs. Mohali hasn't hosted an ODI in over four years but expect a flat pitch like you find here for more regular T20 cricket. The longer square boundaries should again add a tactical dimension to the cricket on display. In the last five ODIs here, pacers (43) have picked more wickets than the spinners (22) but have also been less economical. The weather is set to be warm with clear skies.
Team news:
India
Axar Patel is unavailable at the moment and Kuldeep Yadav has been rested, so Ravichandran Ashwin should slot in straightaway. Ishan Kishan, who India see as a spin-hitter in the middle overs, is also a back-up opener and is likely to partner Gill at the top. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami are all available for the three ODIs but expect the first two pacers to feature in Mohali.
Australia
Yet another well-directed bouncer has meant that Marnus Labuschagne, who was left out of the World Cup squad, is back in the scheme of things. Glenn Maxwell, who missed the ODI series against South Africa with an ankle injury, will be rested in Mohali in view of a "more managed preparation" for him in the leadup to the World Cup. Australia captain Pat Cummins also confirmed that Mitchell Starc won't feature in the first ODI. The team management will have an eye on Adam Zampa, who has been a mixed bag in India so far.
Squads:
Australia Squad: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey(w), Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins(c), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Matthew Short, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer Sangha
India Squad: Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w/c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar
==
==
All posters please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staffs etc.
2. No making fun of player's, official's, coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
