IND Vs AUS, 1st ODI | 5 Player Battles To Watch Out For
India will take on Australia in a 3-match series starting tomorrow [X.com]
On Friday, India will take on Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. The series is significantly important for both teams, as it will serve as their final dress rehearsal before the all-important ODI World Cup.
Although both teams have rested some of their key players, there are a few head-to-head battles, which could be pivotal in deciding the game's outcome. So, as India and Australia gear up for a cracking encounter, let's analyse and find out such five on-field contests to watch out for.
Steven Smith vs Jasprit Bumrah
Steve Smith in action [X.com]
When we talk about best versus best, nothing can get better than the battle between Steven Smith and Jasprit Bumrah. Two finest cricketers of this generation, Smith and Bumrah have faced each other several times in ODIs, with the former having a clear upper hand over the latter.
| Head-to-Head (ODIs) | Balls | Runs | Dismissals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Smith vs Jasprit Bumrah | 80 | 80 | 1 |
KL Rahul vs Adam Zampa
KL Rahul will lead India in the first 2 ODIs [AP]
In the absence of Rohit Sharma, experienced keeper-batter KL Rahul will lead India in the first two ODIs. Rahul, set to bat in the middle order, possesses abysmal record against ace Australian spinner Adam Zampa, who could emerge as a threat to him in this game.
| Head-to-Head (ODIs) | Balls | Runs | Dismissals |
|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul vs Adam Zampa | 93 | 79 | 4 |
David Warner vs Mohammed Siraj
Since making his ODI debut, Mohammed Siraj has established himself as a brute force with the new ball in the power play. The lanky pacer from Hyderabad, who recently starred with the ball in the Asia Cup final, has got rid of veteran Australian opener David Warner four times.
| Head-to-Head (Overall) | Balls | Runs | Dismissals |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Warner vs Mohammed Siraj | 119 | 107 | 4 |
Shubman Gill vs Pat Cummins
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Shubman Gill enjoyed stellar success in the Asia Cup [AP]
Promising Indian opener Shubman Gill had an incredible Asia Cup 2023, helping India clinch the title through his scintillating stroke play. The stylish right-handed batter could be challenged by Pat Cummins, who has dismissed him thrice in international cricket.
| Head-to-Head (Overall) | Balls | Runs | Dismissals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill vs Pat Cummins | 145 | 81 | 3 |
Mitchell Marsh vs Ravindra Jadeja
Mitchell Marsh is in sublime form [AP]
In the absence of Travis Head, experienced all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will likely open for Australia in the series. The swashbuckling right-handed batter has struggled to get going against India's premier left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja as evident from the stats below.
| Head-to-Head (ODIs) | Balls | Runs | Dismissals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh vs Ravindra Jadeja | 64 | 45 | 1 |
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