Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins, has been given a break for the second ODI against India at the Holkar International Stadium in Indore, scheduled for Sunday, September 24. In Pat Cummins’ absence, Steve Smith has taken on the captaincy duties, and Josh Hazlewood has stepped in to fill Cummins’ spot in the playing XI.
During the toss, Smith emphasized the team’s desire to assess their strengths ahead of the ODI World Cup in India, stating this to Jio Cinema:
“It’s pretty warm. Looks a nice wicket, fancy chasing. If it (dew) comes in, it’ll help while chasing. We want to win but we also want to try out a different combination. We’ve got a few changes.”
Australia has also made two additional changes by including wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey and debutant Spencer Johnson in place of Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis in the playing XI.
In the previous ODI, Cummins had bowling figures of 1/44 and contributed 21* runs off nine balls.
Steve Smith won the toss and chose to field in this crucial second ODI, as Australia faces a must-win situation after losing the opening match by five wickets. On the other side, KL Rahul-led India made one change, with Jasprit Bumrah being rested and Prasidh Krishna taking his place in the playing XI.
India’s skipper KL Rahul said: “We only have one change from the last game. Jasprit is rested, and Prasidh comes in.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India issued a statement, stating:
“Jasprit Bumrah did not travel with the team to Indore for the 2nd ODI against Australia. He has gone to visit his family and given a short break by the team management. Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar has joined the team as Bumrah’s replacement for the 2nd ODI. Bumrah will join the team for the final ODI in Rajkot.”
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