India and Australia continue their battle as the bilateral series shifts gear to ODI cricket. It will be great preparation for the World Cup for Australia but India will deal with the expectation of victory.
India vs Australia | First ODI | Friday 17 March 2023 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 10:00
To Win
India 62/100 | Draw 25/1 | Australia 27/20
Hardik Pandya looks to be the chosen leader for India for the ODI world Cup at home later this year but he has work to do in this series.
The switch to ODIs might play into Axar Patel’s hands with his spin more suited to the white ball.
Allrounder Washington Sundar is still a player to watch and someone who can turn match right around.
Suryakumar Yadav will loom to translate his dominant T20 form across to the ODI field.
Jump into the net session with Australia allrounder Glenn Maxwell, who put on a microphone for his training hit out ahead of the India ODIs #INDvAUS @Gmaxi_32 pic.twitter.com/gPKotKhorO
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 15, 2023
Steve Smith has stepped in to captain Australia with Pat Cummins staying back in Australia.
David Warner is struggling for form but might welcome this format as one which allows him to bat himself into touch.
The fitness of Cameron Green could be a huge factor in Australia being competitive at the World Cup.
White-ball spinners Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa will have to come to the fore in this one.
Verdict: India
India should have this one in the bag.
