Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 1: A five-match ODI series between Australia and India will begin with the first match in Hyderabad on Saturday March 2.
The Indian team even after losing the T20I series by 0-2 continues to experiment with the players as they move closer to the World Cup. The Australian team, on the other hand, is looking forward to keeping an upper hand and look forward to taking down India in the ODI series.
Australia:
With Aaron Finch opening the batting alongside Carey with the vice-captain playing over Short, Aussies seem to bring little changes in Saturday’s match. Both the players can get accommodated replacing Carey who may drop down to number four.
Instead of Turner returning to the side, Khawaja should be the one replacing him. The middle order played by Handscomb, Stone and Maxwell is well maintained and brings stability. Although Kane Richardson has been replaced by Andrew Tye, Tye may have to sit in the first match. Jason Behrendorff should be playing alongside Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins with Jhye Richardson keeping in mind the lone spinner in the side.
Possible Xl: Finch (C), Carey (WK), Khawaja, Handscomb, Maxwell, Stoinis, Coulter-Nile/Short, Cummins, Zampa, Behendroff and Jhye Richardson.
India:
Since the team would have to play with the new ball, India should experiment Jasprit Bumrah partnering Mohammed Shami. Vijay Shankar is replaced with Hardik Pandya because of the latter’s injury. Now, Vijay is included alongside Kedhar Jadhav.
Rohit and Dhawan will keep playing at the top order followed by Indian skipper Virat Kohli at number three position. Although Ambati Rayudu should be the one to play at number four position; there is still confusion between Rayudu and KL Rahul.
Possible Xl: Rohit, Dhawan, Kohli (C), Rayudu, Dhoni (WK), Jadhav, Shankar, Shami, Kuldeep, Chahal and Bumrah.
In wicket-keeping, Dhoni remains the preferred choice with his quick and rapid reflexes behind wickets.
All-rounders like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Vijay Shankar are set to play on the brighter side. All the three are in good form and are hoped to bring more runs in the middle.
Batsmen like Rohit, Kohli, Khawaja are the must-have players among the fantasy contest, while Dhawan being a viable option.
On the bowling side, while Bumrah and Kuldeep are enough to create trouble for the Aussies; Pat Cummins is also the best option for the Australian team to keep the attack on India. Backing Cummins are Zampa and Behendroff who would be enough to keep the match upbeat.