Australia vs India – 1st ODI CB Series - Match Preview
The start of the Commonwealth Bank series sees India fighting in the 50-over battle against Australia, with the first game being played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, February 5, 2012.
The venue finally brought luck for the touring party, who won the second T20 to kick start their revival Down Under. The encouragement was provided in the field, where a sterling performance from the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma paved way for
an easy victory in the end.
It was the essential encouragement they badly needed before the start of the tri-nation series where they will again come up against a much experienced Aussie lineup, who dismantled the Men In Blue in the Test series.
The fifty-over format has held India in pretty superior territory in the recent past, most notably the World Cup 2011, where they defeated their current opponents on their way to lift the coveted title.
However, nothing could be gauged from that stupendous moment when taking into account the showings of the sub-continent teams away from home. The only encouragement it seems will be a distant memory, of almost five years back, where the Indians defied all
odds to take home the then VB series.
The visitors will be strengthened with the return of Sachin Tendulkar, who has not played a limited overs game since the triumph in the mega event. Also, his place in the side is under observation due to the rise of the so-called young guns in the team.
Nonetheless, he is expected to slot in the opening berth, and will look to finally conjure up his hundredth ton. His inclusion leaves Jadeja’s place under jeopardy while Irfan Pathan is also set to wait a little longer for his first chance.
The hosts have been overwhelmingly impressive under the tenure of Michael Clarke, showing greater tenacity and consistency. Since relinquishing their World Cup dominancy, they are undefeated in all the series which includes bouts against Sri Lanka and South
Africa.
Clarke considers his team as favourite for ruling over their sub-continent opponents and going by their recent form, it looks certain. The ODI form will see the return of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey as well, who have tormented India lately to overturn
their doubters.
The clashes however, it seems have mostly turned crucial for the younger lot, which includes wicket-keeper, Matthew Wade and newest recruit, Peter Forrest.
Wade has been including in the national team, following lack of runs from veteran Brad Haddin, and the left-hander has already shown intent to grab the position for a longer haul. His scores of 72 and 32 in the T20 bouts came for appreciation while his glove
work has also been of high quality.
The remaining composition will see pacer Ryan Harris making a return to the ODI side after a gap of more than a year and a half. Dogged by injuries, the fast bowler has an impressive record and will look to avoid niggling problems, while other matters will
take care of themselves.
He will be partnered by Brett Lee and Mitchell Starc, while Xavier Doherty and Daniel Christian will be filling in as the spinner and all-rounder respectively.
The MCG pitch will offer plenty of bounce and pace while the trueness of the track will aid batters so one can expect an high scoring encounter.