India is poised to secure a victory in the three-match series as they prepare to face Australia in the first ODI at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The second clash between India and Australia is scheduled to take place at the Holkar International Stadium in Indore on Sunday, September 23.
As the World Cup 2023 approaches with only two matches remaining, the primary focus for the Men in Blue may not be winning the bilateral series. Instead, they aim to assess the performances of certain players leading up to the mega event, set to commence on October 5.
The impressive displays by Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami in the first game would have undoubtedly boosted their confidence. KL Rahul, who registered a century followed by a half-century at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, also appeared to be in fine form.
India boasts an outstanding record in Indore, having emerged victorious in all six of their ODIs held at this venue. In September 2017, India secured a five-wicket win against Australia when the two teams met at the Holkar Stadium.
Regarding the Australian side, there are no updates on the return of Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc. Pat Cummins and his team may opt not to risk these two players, keeping in mind the upcoming World Cup.
The visitors will be keen for their batsmen to capitalize on their starts. In the first ODI, in which they lost by five wickets, several of their batsmen reached scores in the 20s, 30s, and 40s but failed to convert them into significant innings.
Mitchell Marsh, who has been in exceptional form recently, missed an opportunity in the series opener. He will be eager to make amends with a match-winning performance in Indore.
Expected Playing XIs:
India: Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (c & wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami
Australia: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa
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