India and Australia. (Photo Source: MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images and Twitter)
Team India took a crucial 1-0 lead after winning the first game of the three-match ODI series against the dominant Aussies at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on March 17. Chasing 189, the Men in Blue were put under a lot of pressure early in the second innings as they lost the cream of their batting line-up well within the powerplay. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, an unconquered century partnership (108 runs) between Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul helped India come out on top in a jittery run chase.
The action shifts to the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, wherein the two fierce rivals will lock horns for the second ODI on Sunday, March 19. While India have the chance of taking an unassailable lead in the series, the Aussies will look to bounce back from their loss and get back on level terms.
Both teams were impressive with the ball in the previous clash; however, they will need to make amends in the batting aspect of the game. Notably, regular skipper Rohit Sharma will be back to lead the side in Visakhapatnam whereas Steve Smith will continue to lead Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins.
It remains to be seen if India clinch the series or if the Aussies announce their comeback with a resounding win. All eyes will be on the two sides as they take the field on Sunday when they clash for the penultimate game of the 50-over series.
Pitch and Conditions
The wicket in Visakhapatnam aids slow bowlers but also has something in it for batters. However, as the weather predicts occasional rain and a thunderstorm in the morning, the ball may skid, thereby helping the pacers as well. All in all, a competitive total can be expected and either skipper winning the toss could elect to bowl first.
Probable Playing XI for IND vs AUS, 2nd ODI
India
Opener Ishan Kishan is likely to make way for Rohit Sharma considering that the skipper makes his return to the XI. Furthermore, the rest of the side could remain the same for the second ODI with no change after winning the first match.
Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami
Australia
Australia put up a decent show in the second innings of the contest despite ending on the losing side. Their batting, however, has been a worrisome aspect. That being said, the Aussies are known to make impressive comebacks and the management could back the same side to put up a better show in Visakhapatnam.
Probable Playing XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
IND vs AUS Head-to-Head in ODI
Played- 144 India- 54