The much-awaited series between India and Australia is all set to kick off on November 27 (Friday) when both sides lock horns in the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground. It is expected to be a thrilling encounter and we bring you the match prediction from the series opener.
Meanwhile, the Men in Blues will return to action after a gap of nine months since their last series against New Zealand earlier this year. Going into the game, the Indian think tank will face a couple of selection dilemma. In the absence of an unfit Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan’s opening partner will have to be identified from KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill.
Speaking about the bowling front, Ravindra Jadeja might slot in as the all-rounder with Hardik Pandya still not fit to resume bowling duties. If he doesn’t bowl, Hardik will have to fight with the top 6 batters for a place in the playing XI. If Jadeja gets a nod, one between Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav will get game time. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will shoulder the pace attack alongside Navdeep Saini.
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On the other hand, Australia will have a few decisions to make with Mitchell Marsh out owing to an injury. Marcus Stoinis, who batted in the top-order against England might slot down in the middle-order with Steve Smith taking the No.3 role. Debutant Cameron Green is also in line for a debut.
The hosts are likely to field a strong bowling attack with the incumbent trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins expected to start.
Australia vs India 2020: 1st ODI on November 27 (Friday) at Sydney Cricket Ground from 9:10 AM IST
Pitch Conditions
The surface at Sydney Cricket Ground is a batting-friendly one, but also offers a good amount of assistance for the pacers. An average score of 250 runs is expected in the 1st innings.
Also Read: Watch – Virat Kohli Fine-Tunes His Batting Ahead Of 1st ODI Against Australia
Batting first has better records than the chasing teams on this wicket. The toss will play an important role.
Predicted Playing XI
India – Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli ©, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini
Australia – David Warner, Aaron Finch ©, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carrey (wk), Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, Mitchell Starc
Match Prediction – Who will win the match?
India had an upper hand when both sides locked horns in the subcontinent earlier this year. Australia won the first game but Virat Kohli & Co came back from behind to win the last two matches to seal the tie.
Despite recent results favouring the visitors, Australia are expected to take an early lead in the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
