The action in the ODI World Cup has started to unfold. 5-time champions Australia are waiting to get their campaign underway. The Kangaroos will play their first match against the host India. Recently their form has dipped which has been a cause of concern for the team management. In the ODI series they played in South Africa, they lost after getting a 2-0 lead. They played an ODI series in India leading up to the World Cup and lost that series as well.
It would be interesting to what sort of team will the Australians field against the Indians in Chennai. Let’s look at the probable Australian lineup for their clash against India.
Top Order
Mitchell Marsh and David Warner’s opening pair has been brilliant. They have been providing wonderful starts to Australia recently. Both the openers attack in the initial overs which puts the opposition under pressure. Steven Smith will form an integral part of the top order. He has been in good nick of late. His role would be very crucial against India. This looks like a very formidable top order.
Middle Order
Marnus Labuschagne batted well in the last ODI against India and before that as well. He has sealed his spot in the starting xi. Wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell along with all-rounder Cameron Green will form the middle order for the Aussies. Green will also provide a bowling option to captain Pat Cummins which will be very crucial. Glenn Maxwell’s recent form is a great sign for Australia as he can gear up at any stage of the innings.
Bowling unit
Captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc might be the two pacers and the Kangaroos may look to go with two genuine spinners in Adam Zampa and the young Tanveer Sangha. The spinning track of Chennai will help these two spinners along with a handy part-timer in Glenn Maxwell Maxwell has shown that he can be a very good option when it comes to spin bowling. His contribution in the middle overs would be very crucial. Australia’s bowling unit will have to step up in order to restrict the Indian batting lineup.
Aussies have a tough challenge in their first match as they are playing the hosts. This match won’t be an easy encounter for them but if they can overcome this challenge then they would ride high on confidence going ahead in the tournament.