As the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is set to begin from next month, this 3-match ODI series between India and Australia becomes extra special and important. For both the sides, this is a dress rehearsal before the marquee event begins.
The 1st ODI between these two sides will be played in Mohali. This place has hosted quite a few iconic India vs Australia matches in the past and this adds to the excitement and fervour, ahead of this high-voltage series.
India have decided to rest several of their first-choice players, like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya. Australia too will not be having Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell for the 1st ODI.
Nevertheless, this ODI series becomes very important for the two teams ahead of their World Cup sojourn.
In this article, we take a look at the top 5 players to watch out for in the IND vs AUS ODI series, which starts from 22nd September 2023:
1. Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
A surprise addition to the side, Ravichandran Ashwin would be hoping to use all his experience in international cricket, to deliver the goods. As Axar Patel is injured and Kuldeep Yadav rested, Ashwin becomes an automatic choice in the starting XI for India.
Ravichandran Ashwin has oodles of experience in international cricket and will be a key figure in the bowling department of India. He has 151 ODI wickets under his belt and will be one of the strongest bowling options of stand-in-skipper, KL Rahul.
2. Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh’s stocks in this format is quite high. He has been an indispensable part of Australia’s ODI team and is likely to open the batting alongside David Warner, as Travis Head is injured.
Marsh recently led Australia in the white ball series against South Africa and had mixed results. With a combination of firepower and tactics, Marsh will be a key player to watch out for in this IND vs AUS ODI series.
3. Mohammad Siraj (India)
The Number 1 ODI bowler in the world, Mohammad Siraj is living a fairytale dream at the moment. He recently bagged 6 wickets in the Asia Cup 2023 finals, which included 4 wickets in the finals.
With 10 wickets under his belt in India’s successful Asia Cup 2023 campaign, Siraj climbed 8 positions in the ICC ODI Rankings for Bowlers. His good form and his presence of mind will be key for India in this series.
4. Steve Smith (Australia)
Unarguably, one of the greatest ever batters of Australia, Steve Smith will be back into the ODI team after missing out on the previous series because of an injury. Steve Smith has played 142 ODI matches so far and has amassed 4949 runs.
His exceptional average of 44.5 makes him a threat for the Indian cricket team. Moreover, he has played a lot of cricket in India and knows the conditions inside out.
5. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
Swashbuckling Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will be a key player to watch out for in this ODI series. Even though he will be missing out on the 1st ODI in Mohali, he is expected to be back from the 2nd ODI.
He has a good record against India, with 921 runs in 29 matches and would be looking to unleash his prowess, ahead of the high-octane ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
