The most awaited series India vs Australia three matches ODI series kicks off at the Optus Stadium in Perth, both sides will be eager to set the tone early in what promises to be an intense and high quality contest.
Team Preview
Under the leadership of shubman Gill,who takes charge as ODI captain for the first time, india will look to carry forward their winning momentum, Gill elevation marks the beginning of new era,but the presence of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ensures stability and experience at the top .
The middle order boasts reliability with Shreyas Iyer, kl Rahul and All rounder Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy at lower order, while pace unit of Mohammad Siraj, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh will be crucial in exploiting the Perth surface and Kuldeep Yadav in spin department while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel play supportive role in bowling.
Australia lead by Mitchell Marsh in the absence of Pat Cummins, while Australia will aim to bounce back after lose recent series against South Africa, .
Mitchell Marsh and Mathew Short along with Matt Renshaw at the top order give brisk start with aggressive approach batting and set the tone early for the team, while Travis Head and Josh philippe in middle order at the lower order Mitch owen and Cooper Connolly .
The bowling attack spearheaded by Mitchell Starc , Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis while Matthew Kuhnemann played crucial role in middle overs and Cooper Connolly, Mathew Short Play supportive role in spin department.
India vs Australia Head to Head Records in ODIs
Total matches played: 152
Australia won: 84
India won: 58
No Results: 10
Pitch Report
The Perth surface known for extra pace, bounce and carry, making it a paradise for fast bowlers early in the match seamers who hit the deck hard are likely to find movement both through the air and off the surface.
Probable playing XIs
India
Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, kl Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammad Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, kuldeep yadav
Australia
Mitchell Marsh (c), Matthew short, Matt Renshaw, Travis Head, Josh philippe (wk), Cooper Connolly, Mitch owen, Mitchell Starc , Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann
Players to watch out
Virat Kohli: a seasoned campaigner in Australia conditions, Kohli unmatched consistency and experience at bouncy pitches anchor the innings he will play vital role.
Mohammad Siraj: has emerged as India strike weapon with the new ball,his accuracy and ability to extract movement off the surface could decisive in Perth seamer friendly conditions.
Travis Head: he has magnificent records against India Played 10 match made 384 runs , ability to batting with aggressive approach and put pressure on opposition .
Mitchell Starc: Renowned for his blistering pace and swinging Yorkers, Starc early breakthroughs can dictate the course of the match. His battle against India top order will be crucial.
Prediction
The first ODI promises to be a gripping contest between India’s disciplined approach and Australia aggression. While the hosts hold the home advantage, India balanced lineup and recent winning habit give them a slight edge.