Cricket World Cup 2023 First battle begins For India and Australia
The 2023 Cricket World Cup is set to kick off with a thrilling clash between two cricket giants, India and Australia, in Chennai on Sunday. As the top-ranked ODI team takes on the five-time World Cup winners, the stage is set for an epic battle.
Australia, a team with a rich history in the World Cup, has conquered the trophy in various continents. Their recent form, with only one win in their last six ODIs, might not be a true reflection of their potential. India, on the other hand, has consistently started as favorites in ICC events over the past decade but hasn’t clinched the title. The pressure is on Rohit Sharma, who not only bears the burden of this streak but also the expectations of winning on home soil, as the last three World Cup hosts have done.
For India, the sense of occasion will become evident on Sunday after their extensive travel across the country without any game action. This match offers an opportunity for both teams to set the tone early in the tournament and rekindle the public’s interest in the 50-over format, especially following the Asian Games’ ‘100 Golds’ achievement.
Both teams come into this fixture after relatively low-key warm-up series, featuring unconventional squads in somewhat representative conditions. However, the clash in Chennai marks the real deal, and the two first-time World Cup captains acknowledge the razor-thin difference between their sides.
Rohit Sharma’s team boasts a strong spin attack, but Australia’s Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell can be formidable. On the other hand, Australia has the left-arm pace weapon, Mitchell Starc, while India relies on the PowerPlay potency of Siraj and Bumrah.
Minor disruptions to their plans are expected. Travis Head is absent for Australia, and India’s young talent Shubman Gill is doubtful to start. If the closely matched teams maintain their on-paper parity on the field, the game could come down to which side handles the pressure of possible defeat better.
Match Details:
Date: October 8, 2023
Time: 14:00 IST
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Weather: Expect a warm afternoon leading into a sultry evening with a slight 10% chance of drizzle around match start time. The pitch is expected to favor spinners as the game progresses.
Team Watch:
India
There are only two positions up for contention. Ishan Kishan is likely to replace Shubman Gill at the top of the order, and local boy Ravichanrdan Ashwin is expected to take the No.8 spot, providing India with a 3+3 attack combination with Hardik Pandya as the third seamer.
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Tactics & Strategy:
Hardik Pandya has had success against Steve Smith in the past and is likely to bowl in crucial situations when Smith is at the crease.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Australia
Australia has a decision to make regarding the third all-rounder’s position. Cameron Green is the incumbent at No.6, but Marcus Stoinis has been in good form since recovering from a hamstring injury.
Tactics & Strategy:
Adam Zampa has been successful against several Indian batters in the past, making him a key asset for Australia.
Probable XI: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting this blockbuster match that promises to set the tone for an exciting 2023 World Cup.