This will be the first ODI played in Mohali in over four years with Australia having been involved in the most recent match in the format at the venue back in 2019.
India vs Australia | First ODI | Friday 22 September 2023 | IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali | 10:00
India 82/100 | Draw 25/1 | Australia 21/20
After a few experimental squads in recent series, India field a strong group but not one that matches their World Cup squad.
India have recalled veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who missed out on the Asia Cup and World Cup squads but lends experience to this young group of players.
A series win will secure India the top ranking on the ICC ODI standings heading into the World Cup at home.
Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are the World Cup squad members out to get time in the middle in this series while KL Rahul leads the group.
Australia have a few notable injury absences with Travis Head in a race to be fit in time for the Cricket World Cup as he is set to go under the knife.
They are bolstered by returning top order batting star Steve Smith who has recovered from the wrist injury that kept him from touring South Africa.
Also returning are senior pacemen Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc but frontline spinners Tanveer Sangha and Adam Zampa might be the players whose form determines Australia’s fate.
Marnus Labuschagne plays despite missing out on the World Cup squad and might find himself replacing Head should he not pass fit.
Verdict: India
India at home should take the opener on a batting friendly pitch ion Mohali.
