Fantasy Cricket Tips: After being by drubbed Australia in the first ODI, India faced a reality check against their toughest opponent in this home season. The Indian team that turned up at the Wankhede Stadium was no match for the mighty Aussies. It was a below-par performance from the Indians who succumbed to a 10-wicket defeat in the first ODI of the three-match series.
With series on the line, both the teams travel to Rajkot for the second fixture of the series that now has everything at stake for the home team. On the other hand, the visitors might breathe a sigh of relief after a complete show that didn’t saw India compete on their day. In Rajkot, they will look to seal the series and claim their second straight ODI series win in India.
Weather Conditions:
The weather might have no say in the second ODI as it is expected to stay clear throughout the match overs. The temperatures might be nearing mid-20s during the day awhile it may drop below 10 degrees during the evening time.
Pitch Conditions:
The pitch at Saurashtra Cricket Association offers one of the flattest decks in the entire country. A wicket that is just laid for the batsman is a true pitch where batters can easily play their shots. A quick outfield just adds more misery for the bowlers as high-scoring matches are generally a trend in Rajkot.
Total ODIs played: 2
Matches won batting first: 2
Average score batting first: 297
Average score batting second: 284
Injury and availability news: The only concern for India might be the availability of Rishabh Pant who wasn’t able to take the field in the second innings after a feeling a concussion while getting out in the first ODI.
Probable Playing XIs:
India:
Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (C), KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah
Bench – Shivam Dube, Manish Pandey, Shardul Thakur, Kedar Jadhav, Yuzvendra Chahal
Australia:
Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey (Wk), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa.
Bench – Peter Handscomb, D’Arcy Short, Josh Hazlewood
Fantasy Cricket Tips: Top Picks
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both failed with the bat in Mumbai, will be desperate to get a big score in Rajkot. The Aussie opening duo of Warner and Finch again enjoy their time on one of the flattest decks at SCA in Rajkot. In bowling, Starc looked in good bowling rhythm alongside Richardson who picked up two wickets.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, David Warner
Vice-Captain – KL Rahul, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Mitchell Starc
Suggested Playing XI No.1
Keeper – Alex Carey
Batters – Aaron Finch, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(C), Steve Smith, David Warner(VC)
All-Rounders – Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers – Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav
Suggested Playing XI No.2
Keeper – Rishabh Pant
Batters – KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma(C), Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli, David Warner, Shreyas Iyer
All-Rounders – Marnus Labuschagne
Bowlers – Mitchell Starc (VC), Kane Richardson, Kuldeep Yadav
Fantasy Cricket Tips: Expert Advice:
Being a flat deck, it is obvious to include quality batters from both the teams into the Fantasy XI. With a huge outfield, spinners might come into play with ground dimensions that might help their cause. Seam bowlers will be least effective in Rajkot.
Probable Winners:
It is highly unlikely to predict the winners for the second ODI. India will be under the pump to perform and secure a win to stay alive in the series while Australia will hope to put up another great show.
Match Details:
The 2nd ODI match between India and Australia will be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The match starts at 01.30 PM local time (08.00 AM GMT). The match will be broadcasted live on the Star Sports network.
Date: 17th Jan 2020
