Fantasy Cricket Tips: After a dominating series win over Sri Lanka, India faces a much-stronger threat in the form of Australia. The Aaron Finch-led side is coming off from a successful home summer where they won every match they played. The visitors had a memorable India tour in 2019 when they came back from 2-0 to win the series 3-2. Australians would love to lift the trophy at the end of the series. But it won’t be easy against this Indian team. Despite injuries to few regulars, Virat Kohli will lead a formidable squad. The return of Jasprit Bumrah has strengthened the bowling attack. The rhythm of Navdeep Saini and Shardul Thakur will be encouraging for India going into the series. A battle within the battle to look-out for is the fight for the second opener slot between Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul. Fans could expect a fiercely contested series between these two.
Weather Condition/Report:
The temperature will be around 27-degree Celsius during the day. Sea breeze in the evening will cool down the temperature. There is no chance of rain during the entire duration of the match.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The pitch at the Wankhede stadium has been a beautiful track to bat on traditionally. Batsmen trust the bounce on the wicket, hence goes for expansive drives. Spinners will be benefitted from the extra bit of bounce as well. With the stadium situated close to the sea, evenings offer some swing for fast bowlers under lights.
Average first innings score 295
Record of chasing teams: Won – 3, Lost – 2
Injury and Availability:
All players in both the squads are available for selection.
Probable Playing XIs:
India:
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Bench – Shikhar Dhawan, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Manish Pandey, Shardul Thakur.
Australia:
Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steve Smith, Peter Handscomb, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.
Bench – Marnus Labuschagne, D’Arcy Short, Kane Richardson.
Top Picks:
Rohit Sharma has tasted success against Australia in the limited-overs format. He would be eager to continue his good form in the new year as well. Virat Kohli will be the biggest threat to the Australian team. The IPL’s newest millionaire Pat Cummins will be a force with the ball. India’s nemesis with the bat Steve Smith would want to replicate his red-ball form against India.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, David Warner
Vice-Captain – KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Alex Carey
Batters – KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(C), Steve Smith, David Warner(VC)
All-Rounders – Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers – Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Rishabh Pant
Batters – KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma(C), Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith(VC), Shreyas Iyer
All-Rounders – Ashton Agar
Bowlers – Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami
Expert Advice:
The venue for the first match in Wankhede stadium assures a battle between the batsmen of both sides. With a probability of a high-scoring encounter looming, it is good to have more batsmen in the squad. There are good fast bowlers on both sides who could bowl well with the new ball and at the death. Them filling-up the bowlers’ slot forms a formidable team.
Probable Winners:
India with the batting depth they possess could edge ahead of Australia in the first ODI of the series.
Match Details:
The 1st ODI match between India and Australia will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The match starts at 01.30 PM local time (08.00 AM GMT)
Date: 14h Jan 2020
