#IndiaInAustralia: 1st ODI - Preview, key players and TV listing
Team India will be taking on Australia in the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday. The Aussies announced their playing XI and fast bowler Peter Siddle makes a return to the format after a gap of nine years. India will be aiming to start strongly after sealing a win in the Test series. Here's more.
India will be wanting to keep the momentum flowing and produce quality cricket. The idea is to make the most out of this series and get the balance right. India will be confident in their abilities and form. Australia have not enjoyed the best of form in ODIs since a while. India have lost just one ODI in their last 10 matches.
Australia managed to earn just two victories in 2018 in this format. They played a total of 13 ODI matches. The hosts need a miracle from somewhere to arrest the slump. Siddle will be the cynosure of all eyes as he makes a stunning return. The experienced bowler will lead the attack that include the likes of Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff.
Indian captain Virat Kohli will be leading the batting riches of India. The 30-year-old smashed three centuries and scored 453 runs in the ODIs against West Indies in October, 2018. Opening batsmen Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma hold the key upfront. Both have been in good form. Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni will add the experience in the middle order.
Aussie bowlers could find it difficult to stop Indian batsmen from making inroads. All-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis will have work to do. It remains to be seen how ace spinner Nathan Lyon comes up. Australia's batting will revolve around Shaun Marsh and skipper Aaron Finch. Both batsmen failed to convince in the Test series. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav could trouble the Aussie batsmen.
Kohli was the top run-scorer in ODIs in 2018 and here is a chance for him to start 2019 with a bang. The Aussie bowling attack do not possess the usual threat. It's an opportunity for Mohammed Shami to have a say and enhance his reputation. For the Aussies, Marsh needs to get the big runs. Siddle will be hoping to inspire his side.
The first ODI will start on Saturday at 7:50 AM IST. The match will be telecast live on the Sony Ten Network in both English and Hindi commentary. The match can also be streamed live on the Sony Liv app as well.
