Australia v India | Tuesday 12 January | W.A.C.A Ground | 05:20
A significantly changed Australian squad is aiming to build on their fantastic start to 2016 as they face India in an intense five-match One Day International series. The opening ODI will be held at the iconic Western Australia Cricket Ground early on Tuesday morning.
The two teams are closely matched on the ICC ODI rankings – with Australia just leading by 13 points over India’s 114. This promises a thrilling series that’s sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
To Win Match
Australia 5/10
Draw 35/1
India 16/10
Australia
Despite missing several key players, the Aussie team should not be underestimated. They were champions of the World Cup and ended 2015 winning 15 out of 19 ODIs. Now, they’re keen to continue their excellent streak and put pressure on an Indian team that has had recent struggles in limited-overs cricket.
Though they’ve lost the likes of Shane Watson (dropped), front-line pacers Nathan Coulter-Nile and Mitchell Starc (injured), and opening batsman Dave Warner (likely to take paternity leave during the series), coach Darren Lehman’s side remains confident. They edged India twice last year, keeping spirits high. While injuries and retirements have thinned their pace battery, the pace bowlers available are ready to challenge the Indians on Australia’s famously fast and bouncy pitches.
Speaking of pace, Josh Hazlewood is expected to be Australia’s standout bowler in the opener. His style, modelled on the legendary Glenn McGrath, prioritises pinpoint accuracy over sheer speed but comes equipped with a surprise faster ball and a punishing bouncer, which could trouble India’s top order.
Hazlewood will lead a young bowling attack featuring Big Bash League stars Joel Paris and Scott Boland, both of whom will make their international debuts. Their performances could be pivotal to the series’ early momentum.
Australia’s batting remains robust even without the out-of-form Steve Smith. Dave Warner is set to open alongside Aaron Finch, a pair capable of laying a strong foundation. Middle and late innings firepower will come from players like Glenn Maxwell, George Bailey, James Faulkner, and Mitch Marsh.
India
For India, this series brings a chance to avenge their close World Cup semi-final loss to Australia. Despite it being a year ago, the team still carries the mental impact of that defeat.
Recent months haven’t been great for Indian cricket. They’ve won only six of their last 11 ODIs, including a harrowing series loss to Bangladesh – a low point in their recent history.
Hosting South Africa recently, India lost the T20 series 2-0 and then narrowly lost the ODI series 3-2, creating unrest among fans. Though the Test series win against South Africa offered some relief, playing in Australia rather than in front of the critical home crowd is likely a welcome change for the men in blue.
Adapting to Australian conditions will be crucial. Indian batsmen must adjust to the extra bounce and pace, quite different from the slower pitches they’re used to at home. Likewise, selectors may have to rethink their bowling strategy, favouring pace over spin on Australian wickets.
Traditionally, India fields multiple spinners in limited-overs cricket, perfect for sub-continent pitches but less effective on quicker Australian decks. Expect the selectors to prefer four frontline pacers: Rishi Dhawan, potential debutant Barinder Sran, and experienced quicks Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma, command the attack.
India’s batting lineup boasts veterans like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, both game-changers who can seize control unexpectedly. With multiple visits to Australia under their belts, these stalwarts should acclimatise well and keep India competitive in the series opener.
Venue
The Western Australian Cricket Association Ground, fondly called the W.A.C.A, is a classic Australian cricket stadium. It hosts a passionate crowd of up to 20,000 fans, with the pitch well-known as one of the fastest and bounciest worldwide.
The pace and bounce will play into Australia’s strength much more than India’s. The sharp bounce will be a real test for Indian batsmen, unaccustomed to such conditions, though they’ll strive to adapt quickly.
Hazlewood and Boland will relish bowling here, expected to use aggressive short-pitched deliveries (‘chin music’) to unsettle the Indian top and middle order, including seasoned players like MS Dhoni.
Verdict: Australia 5/10
If this match were anywhere besides the W.A.C.A, backing India might be tempting. However, the home advantage and pitch conditions give Australia the edge. Expect the Aussies to take a 1-0 lead in this gripping five-match ODI series.
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