The match 5 of ICC ODI World Cup 2023 between India (IND) and Australia (AUS) at Delhi’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, 8 October promises to be an exciting contest. Both the teams have a star-studded squad and are major contenders to win the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. They will be keen to kick off the tournament on a winning note.
Both the teams, India and Australia have a fierce rivalry in the format. They have played 149 ODI matches, with India winning 56 games and Australia winning 83 games so far in the head to head encounters. In this article, we will take a look at the key player battles to watch out for in the match 5 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 between India and Australia.
Also Read: ICC ODI World Cup 2023: India vs Australia Weather Forecast and Pitch Report for Today Match
Here are three player battles to watch out for during IND vs AUS match:
1) Steve Smith vs Ravindra Jadeja
Steve Smith’s role in Australia’s campaign for the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 is crucial. With a commendable World Cup record, having accumulated 834 runs at an average of 46.33, including one century, Smith arrives at the tournament with confidence. He eyes an advantage against Ravindra Jadeja, boasting a remarkable track record against the spinner. In their 11 encounters, Smith has only fallen to Jadeja once. His impressive tally of 216 runs against the spinner comes at an astounding strike rate of 121.4, marked by 18 boundaries and five sixes.
2) KL Rahul vs Adam Zampa
KL Rahul is currently in sensational form as he enters the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023. His recent series against Australia showcased his prowess, amassing 136 runs in three matches with an impressive average of 68. As India opens its campaign, Rahul aims to maintain his excellent run. Nevertheless, he faces the challenge of Adam Zampa, who has dismissed him on four occasions in this format. KL Rahul’s record against Zampa stands at 104 runs from 113 deliveries, averaging 26.
3) Rohit Sharma vs Mitchell Starc
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma embarks on his third ODI World Cup, following his exceptional performance in the 2019 edition where he notched up five centuries, finishing as the leading run-scorer. The right-handed batter aspires to replicate that success in the ongoing tournament. However, he must be cautious of Mitchell Starc in the upcoming match. Despite amassing 146 runs against the pacer at a striking rate of 105.8, Rohit has faced dismissal thrice in ODIs against Starc. The contest between these two will certainly be one to watch.