India vs Australia, 2nd ODI at Melbourne Preview: India begin tri-series campaign against hosts

By Nishad Pai Vaidya

Jan 17, 2015

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The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will play host to India and Australia for the second One-Day International (ODI) of the tri-series on Sunday, which also involves England. The two teams contested in a four-Test series, with the hosts walking away 2-0 with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2014-15. However, things change as the two teams don the coloured clothing. This Indian team is a dangerous unit in one-day cricket and will pose a challenge for Australia, who are favourites in their home conditions.

Australia are coming off a three-wicket victory against England. The margin may suggest it was a close contest, but Australia lost those wickets in pursuit of a bonus point, which they achieved with a ball to spare. Despite a few players like Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Johnson resting, Australia still have a strong unit and India will be wary of that power.

Mitchell Starc’s spell helped Australia get off to a good start against England. Pat Cummins complemented him well by keeping it tight at the other end. Then, there is a James Faulkner, who also contributed with a tight spell in the middle. Not to forget, Xavier Doherty, who had an excellent outing in the first game. The challenge from the Indian batsmen may be a greater one though.

David Warner and Steven Smith will also pose a threat to India. Given their form in the Tests, they have taken a liking for the Indian bowling. They had good hits in the first ODI and would look to build on that. Aaron Finch and Shane Watson would want to make amends in this game after failing in the first. Glenn Maxwell is also under a bit of pressure to produce the goods with the bat.

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On India’s side of things, they have a settled batting line-up. Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane are set to play. Dhawan should open with either of the two. The one who doesn’t open, will bat at No. 4 with Virat Kohli a No. 3. Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni will complete the order. With the top six set, India only have to choose the all-rounder at No. 7. If they want the seam bowling option then Stuart Binny should walk in else, it would be a tussle between Akshar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.

Ravichandran Ashwin is the lone specialist spinner and should be in the side, unless India decide on the contrary. With Mohit Sharma and Dhawal Kulkarni in as backups, India have six specialist seamers to choose from. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav are the three frontline options, with Ishant Sharma coming next. Mohit and Kulkarni may only get a game if the Indians decide to rest a player or two.

One can say that this game would be more keenly contested than the first game of the tri-series. Both sides enter their final build-up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, and this series forms a crucial part of that.

Squads:

India: MS Dhoni (c&wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu,  Ravindra Jadeja, Akshar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mohit Sharma.

Australia: George Bailey (c), David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (wk), James Faulkner, Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Doherty, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Gurinder Sandhu, Kane Richardson.

Time: 08:50 IST | 03:20 GMT

(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)