High intensity clash on the cards as India take on Australia at the SCG

Countless logistical nightmares, minor changes to the schedule, and 269 days since Team India last played a game of international cricket, the Men in Blue will return to action. A series down under against an Australian side with Justin Langer at the helm promises to be a humdinger. While the threat of COVID-19 still persists, the sight of even half-full stadiums will be one to cherish for the lovers of the game across the globe.

The tour of Australia is scheduled to kick off on the 27th of November with 3 ODIs, followed by 3 T20 internationals, before the main event - the Border Gavaskar Trophy begins on the 17th of December 2020. Team India led by Virat Kohli will have a stern challenge on their hands when they take on the Australian side who toppled the World Champions England in their own backyard in September in their last ODI series.

For India, the first bit of business on the tour will be to find the right opening combination. Shikhar Dhawan will be expected to get the nod given his imperious form in the IPL, and his wealth of experience at the top level. The management will soon need to find the right partner for Dhawan in the absence of Rohit Sharma. While KL Rahul will be expected to play a middle-order role, the opening slot opens up for either Mayank Agarwal or Shubman Gill to make their mark in their relatively young limited-overs international careers. 

Captain Kohli always loves a challenge, and there are very few bigger than taming the Kangaroos in their own backyard. KL Rahul will hope to extend his IPL purple patch through to international cricket, this time with an added responsibility of donning the wicket-keeping gloves for the first time since the retirement of MS Dhoni. India might be tempted to go in with both the wrist spinners, but with Hardik Pandya’s bowling fitness still suspect, one of Yuzvendra Chahal or Kuldeep Yadav might have to warm the bench. While Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are certain to start, the toss-up for the third fast bowler’s position will be between RCB fast bowler Navdeep Saini, and Shardul Thakur.

Australia’s strength will again be their bowling attack comprising of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins. With RCB leg-spinner Adam Zampa controlling the middle overs, Australia have a well-rounded bowling attack capable of picking wickets and containing the run flow. While Australia’s top 3 of David Warner, Aaron Finch, and Steve Smith will be a threat on any day, their depth in batting will hold them in good stead. Marnus Labuschagne has proved to be a gritty player at the top-most level. Glen Maxwell transforms into a world-beater every time he puts on a yellow jersey.

The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground will host the first two ODIs and will be open to hosting crowds to 50% of its peak capacity. The last time the two teams met down under, India managed to overturn a loss in the first game of the series to come up trumps 2-1. With players from both teams finally returning to the international fold after the IPL, the series will make for a fascinating encounter between two of the heavyweights of the international arena.

Match Details 

Date: Friday, 27 November 2020

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

Time: 9:10 AM (IST)

Squads:

India Squad: Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul(w), Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur, Mayank Agarwal, Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill

Australia Squad: Aaron Finch(c), David Warner, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Ashton Agar, Moises Henriques, Matthew Wade, Sean Abbott, Andrew Tye, Cameron Green, Daniel Sams