Cricket: Australia vs India
1st One-Day International
Sydney Cricket Ground: – 27th November 2020
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Match Winner:
Australia make a much anticipated return to action on the international scene as they take on India at the SCG. Two of the biggest sides in the world are set to do battle over ODI’s, T20’s and Test Matches over the next few months and the stakes could not be higher. Both sides have endured a tough year in the absence of international cricket but with the IPL capturing the imagination of cricket fans the world over, both squads should have plenty of players in form within their respective groups. All 3 ODI matches are set to be played in quick succession and with India having been in Australia for nearly a month due to quarantine restrictions, both sides should be fit, and firing come the first ball at the SCG.
Team Previews
Australia
Despite reaching the last 4 of the World Cup in 2019, Australia continue to strive for their best form in ODI cricket. Aaron Finch is talismanic as captain at the top of the order and with David Warner, they are one of the most feared opening partnerships in world cricket.
Steve Smith continues to blaze a trail as one of the world’s very best batsmen in the middle order whilst the pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins is as good as it gets in world white ball cricket – especially in home conditions.
India
Similarly, India feel like a side bubbling under the radar in ODI cricket. With most of their attention now turned to T20 cricket, they are a side in transition, but they can beat anyone on their day. Virat Kohli will be integral to their hopes of getting a result here in Australia and he will be supported by the likes of Shikhar Dhawan with the bat.
In the bowling department, India are blessed with multiple spin and seam options. Jasprit Bumrah is prolific with the white ball in hand whilst Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Jadeja have the ability to turn the ball on seemingly any pitch.
Australia vs India Best Bets
Aaron Finch to be Man of the Match @ 9.00
Australian captain Aaron Finch has an incredible record in ODI cricket – especially in home conditions and he will be eager to lead from the front here at the SCG.
Virat Kohli to be India’s Top Batsman @ 2.20
Having been at the forefront of Indian cricket for nearly a decade, Virat Kohli has been the leader of the side with the bat. As captain, he will be looking to make a mark here and put pressure on the Australian bowlers from the off.
Pat Cummins to be Australia’s Top Bowler @ 3.00
Australia are blessed with pace options but in Pat Cummins, they look to have found their bowling attack leader for years to come. Pace and bounce could be the order of the day at the SCG and Cummins should trouble the Indian batsmen.
Match Prediction
Match Winner – Australia – 0.65
As a series opener, this should be a thrilling contest between two excellent sides. Australia are so strong in home conditions – with both the white and red ball and it could be a rude awakening for some of the Indian contingent. Virat Kohli’s side will put up a strong showing but ultimately Australia look good value to come out on top here.
