Following their triumphant conquest of the Asia Cup 2023, the Indian cricket team is geared up for a series of bilateral ODIs against Australia, serving as their final preparations for the crucial ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. This exciting IND vs. AUS ODI series is scheduled to commence on September 22 in Mohali, followed by matches in Indore on September 24 and Rajkot on September 27.
Team India enters the series with soaring confidence after securing the Asia Cup 2023 title against Sri Lanka. The Indian players showcased their prowess throughout the tournament, addressing any concerns admirably.
In contrast, Australia is regrouping after a disappointing turn of events, having lost three consecutive ODIs to South Africa after initially leading the five-match series 2-0. The Australian team is now seeking to identify the areas that require improvement.
Both India and Australia have already announced their squads for the 3-match ODI series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has opted for a youthful lineup for the first two ODIs, with senior players returning for the final match in Rajkot. This strategic choice aims to prevent undue fatigue among senior players ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
KL Rahul will lead India in the initial two matches, with Ravindra Jadeja serving as vice-captain. Captain Rohit Sharma will resume his leadership duties from the third game onwards.
Australia, on the other hand, will be without Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head due to injuries. However, they will welcome back Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Glenn Maxwell, who have recovered from their respective injuries. These players were absent during Australia’s recent tour of South Africa due to fitness concerns.
The squads for the 1st ODI are as follows:
India Squad 1st & 2nd ODI: KL Rahul (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja (Vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Australia Squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
Also read: Who will Captain Sri Lanka in World Cup 2023?
In the 1st ODI, the expected playing elevens are:
India Playing11: Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (c & wk), Tilak Varma, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd Siraj.
In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan is likely to open alongside Shubman Gill. Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer are expected to get substantial game time as they are part of the World Cup squad. Additionally, Shreyas Iyer’s fitness remains a concern.
R Ashwin, making a return to ODI cricket after a 20-month absence, is set to feature in all three ODIs against Australia.
Australia Playing11: David Warner, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Australia welcomes the return of senior players, with Pat Cummins leading the side. Matt Short is poised to make his ODI debut to replace the injured Mitchell Marsh, while Glenn Maxwell returns to bolster the all-round capabilities of the team.