Get ready for a cricketing showdown of epic proportions as two giants of the game, Australia and India, prepare to go head-to-head on the 8th of October 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
The Indo-Aus rivalry has set the world of cricket on fire over the years, with a history of 12 historic encounters in the ICC World Cup. In this rivalry, Australia has often held the upper hand, claiming victory 8 times and asserting their dominance.
Both teams are hungry for that vital World Cup victory to kickstart their campaign. Cricket enthusiasts around the world can anticipate a thrilling contest that will undoubtedly keep them on the edge of their seats.
Team Preview
India
India enters the ICC World Cup 2023 as one of the tournament favourites, backed by a rich cricketing legacy and a supremely talented roster. As the hosts of the tournament, the Men in Blue not only enjoy home advantage but also field a formidable squad, more than capable of excelling on the grandest cricketing stage
The hosts have had a fantastic year in ODI cricket. They triumphed in 4 out of 5 series and clinched victory in the Asia Cup as well. The fact that they played two ODI series against Australia this year, with one win and one loss, adds an element of anticipation and competitiveness to their upcoming clash.
The home crowd support will be a significant advantage for India in the ICC World Cup 2023. With a well-rounded squad, strong batting, and a potent bowling attack, India will aim to reclaim the World Cup trophy on their home soil. And the first step will be winning their inaugural encounter against the Aussies.
Australia
The Aussies have a remarkable history of success in World Cup tournaments, having won the prestigious title five times. Their record establishes them as the undisputed dominators of World Cup history. Their legacy of success and reputation for fearless cricket make them an undeniable force in the world of cricket.
Australia’s journey in ODIs this year has been a rollercoaster ride. They began on a high note with a series win against India but faced a setback, losing a closely contested series to South Africa (3-2). The challenges persisted as they went on to lose another series to India.
Renowned for their aggressive style of play, the Aussies are set to emerge as formidable contenders once more in the upcoming tournament. Their opening match against the hosts, India, presents a significant opportunity to set the tone for their campaign and send a clear message of dominance to their rivals.
Probable Playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubhman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav
Australia: Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
Pitch Report
The pitch at Chepauk Stadium traditionally favours spin bowlers, making it a spinner’s paradise. It tends to be slow and low, offering turn and grip to spinners as the match progresses. Batsmen need to be patient and adapt to the slower pace of the pitch.
Generally, batting first is considered advantageous here as chasing becomes incredibly hard due to the deteriorating nature of the pitch. Batsmen who settle in can score runs, but they still need to be watchful of the turning deliveries. The slow nature of the pitch can sometimes make it difficult to play big shots.
Teams should opt for spin-heavy bowling attacks to exploit the conditions. Batsmen need to play sensibly, and partnerships are crucial to build competitive totals. 260-270 will be considered an above-par score here.
- Total matches hosted: 23
- Matches won batting first: 14
- Matches won bowling first: 8
- Average 1st innings score: 233
- Average runs per over: 5.19
Players To Watch Out For
Rohit Sharma
When it comes to the World Cup, Hitman is no doubt the most important asset for Team India. His 2019 heroics will always be remembered. He scored a remarkable five centuries in that tournament and was also the highest run-getter of that edition.
When it comes to facing Australia, Rohit is like a nightmare they can’t escape. He has amassed 2332 runs against them at an astonishing average of 59.8 and a strike rate of 95.5. What’s more, he’s the only player to have scored a double century against the Aussies, a feat that showcases his dominance over one of the strongest cricketing nations
Since 2022, Sharma has changed his approach in ODI cricket. His strike rate of 111 in this period indicates that he now goes on the offensive from the very start. This aggressive approach is a double-edged sword for any opposition. If Rohit gets set, he becomes a dangerous player, capable of tearing apart any bowling attack.
Hardik Pandya
Known for his dynamic all-round abilities, Pandya brings a unique blend of power and finesse to the field. His explosive batting, wicket-taking ability, and fielding excellence make him an indispensable player for India
Pandya has the ability to clear the boundaries with ease and accelerate the run-rate in the latter stages of an innings. His aggressive batting style often catches opponents off guard, and he has a knack for turning matches in India’s favour with quickfire cameos.
Moreover, Hardik Pandya has a particular fondness for competing against the Aussies.
He has accumulated 546 runs in just 11 innings at a blistering strike rate of 112. His 11 wickets against them demonstrate his versatility as an all-rounder, capable of both scoring runs and taking crucial wickets.
Steven Smith
Renowned for his unflinching consistency and adaptability, Smith is the backbone of Australia’s batting lineup. His unorthodox yet effective technique, along with an impeccable understanding of the game, makes him a formidable force at the crease
Steven Smith’s impressive numbers against India further solidify his importance as a key player for Australia when it comes to facing India. He has scored 1260 runs against India at an average of 54.8 and a striking strike rate of 103.
Smith’s reliability, adaptability, and ability to anchor the innings make him a player to watch in the upcoming clash. His performance with the bat can lay the foundation for Australia’s success not only in this match but the entire World Cup.
Adam Zampa
Adam Zampa’s spin wizardry and ability to take wickets at crucial moments make him a player to watch out for in this upcoming clash. The leg-spin maestro has been a potent weapon for Australia in limited-overs cricket.
Zampa’s role on the Chepauk pitch will be absolutely crucial. His ability to vary his deliveries, exploit the pitch’s turn, and maintain precise control over his variations will be pivotal, especially in the middle overs. He also took a 4-fer against India earlier this year at the same venue and won the match for Australia.
Zampa has consistently displayed an inclination for performing on the grandest stages. His ability to remain calm under pressure and excel in high-stakes encounters makes him a trusted asset for Australia in this upcoming World Cup.
IND vs AUS Dream11 Team for Match 5 of 2023 WC
Note: This is not our final Dream11 Team as we are not aware of the Toss Result/Final Playing XI of both teams at this moment.
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