India and Australia will lock horns in a three-match ODI series starting from January 14. The thriller contest between the two teams will undoubtedly spell-bind the fans. The ‘Men in Blue’ have played six ODIs after the 2019 ODI World Cup, whereas Australia hasn’t featured in any 50-over game post the ICC event in England.
The last time when Aussies were here, they defeated the Indian team. That was the first ODI series loss for Virat Kohli at home, and therefore, he would be willing to take the retaliation. At the same time, Aaron Finch-led side would be optimistic about winning their first limited over series of the year 2020.
One can’t pick the favorites amongst the two nations as both are capable of doing wonders on the cricket field. With the presence of David Warner and Steve Smith, the Australians would be in confidence to take on India’s challenge; but still, they are going to miss power-hitter Glenn Maxwell, who’s been rested this tour.
Before the teams head on to Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium to play the series opener let’s have a look at the five Australian players who would be ready to face the music and prove their worth:
1) Marnus Labuschagne
Taking Test cricket by a storm and shaking the entire world with his consistency, Marnus Labuschagne will be on everyone’s radar. After playing phenomenal cricket with red-ball, Labuschagne is set to make his debut for the national side in the upcoming series.
After scoring four centuries and a double ton in the longest format of the game with a stunning average of 63.43, Labuschagne would be hopeful to carry-on his Tests form in the limited-overs format as well. Having said that, it still won’t be easy-peasy for the right-handed batsman as this time he would be batting against quality spin-attack.
2) Alex Carey
In 2010, Alex Carey captained the Aussie side, no not in cricket, it was in football, but his career went downhill over the next few years. When, he was left out of the team, he then focused on cricket.
Picked in the later half of 2018, Carey has given a glimpse of his extraordinary talent. So far, the wicket-keeper batsman has played 29 ODIs and amassed 800-plus runs with 85 being his best. Recently, the 28-year-old said that he wants to finish games like India’s former skipper MS Dhoni.
Carey is a promising talent, and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has also shown trust after taking him in the Delhi Capitals during the 2020 IPL auction.
3) Ashton Turner
When the last time Australia visited India, it was Ashton Turner who made his debut in the ODI series. He played three matches and scored 125 runs. One cannot forget his unbeaten 43 balls-84 in the fourth ODI when Australia chased down the target of 359 with 13 balls to spare. However, the 26-year-old didn’t play any ODI since then as he wasn’t picked for the five-match ODI tour in UAE, followed by the 2019 WC.
In India, Turner had a great show, and he would like to continue from where he left. His art of clean hitting makes the bowlers run for their money. This will be a golden opportunity for Turner to secure his place primarily in the absence of Maxwell.
4) Josh Hazlewood
A tall and accurate pace bowler who has impressed the cricketing world with his unrelenting attitude towards batsmen, Josh Hazlewood, is going to be a crucial player for the Aussies in the upcoming ODI series against India.
The New South Wales bowler has played 44 ODIs and taken 72 wickets, however, due to a stress injury, the right-armer missed out last ODI tour of India and the World Cup as well.
Hazlewood last played an ODI against England on November 11 in 2018; therefore, he would be looking forward to shine for his nation in the limited-over format like he’s currently doing with the red-ball.
5) Adam Zampa
Another New South Wales player, Adam Zampa, has been picked in the ODI side for the series against India. Zampa, whose run-up and action reminds people of Shane Warne, has scalped 65 wickets in 48 ODI games.
Zampa’s addition is crucial because Indian batsmen have struggled against the leg-spinners.
Zampa knows the art of bowling quality googlies and has been successful in bemusing batsmen with his talent.
Recently, in the matches against West Indies and Sri Lanka, Indian batsmen were seen scuffling against spinners. From Hayden Walsh to Lakshan Sandakan, the batting unit of the Indian team didn’t look up to the mark while facing these two bowlers. And Zampa would also be hoping to trouble the Indian batters in the upcoming series.
