With a dominating performance in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, team India is ready to host the visitors for yet another challenging series.
With the World Cup nearing, the 50-over format will be the most critical format of the year.
Since the beginning of 2023, India has been in top form in ODI cricket. They brushed aside a weakened Sri Lankan side and a depleted Kiwi side that appeared to be shadows of themselves. However, Australia will present far more difficult challenges than the previous two visiting teams.
Team India, led by Hardik Pandya, have opted to bowl first after winning the toss in the 1st ODI.
Hardik Pandya: We’ll bowl first. It is a good track and dew factor will be there. We feel we will do well in the second innings. I got some time off, breaks are like gold dust for me so it gave me a chance to rest and improve. Playing for India every game and every format is important. With this being a WC year, the ODI format is important.
On the other hand the skipper of the visiting team, Steve Smith, stated that he feels relaxed on losing the tods as he was confused on what to choose.
Steve Smith: Good toss to lose. Happy batting first because I didn’t know what to do. We got to try our best to adjust to these conditions, and get our combinations right with the WC in mind. I think we played well in the back end (on BGT series), and plenty of fresh faces to choose from.
The biggest breaking news from the Australian dressing room is that senior opening batsman David Warner will not play in the first ODI against India, which will be played at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. After losing the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023 four-match Test series 1-2, Australia will now play a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series in India during this crucial 50-overs ICC World Cup year. Australia has also won their last three One-Day International (ODI) matches against England.
“David Warner is not yet fully fit, so Mitch Marsh will open the batting. The rest of the changes will come on the big television here soon enough,” said skipper Smith (DURING TOSS).
Why is David Warner Not Playing Today’s India vs Australia 1st ODI?