08 Oct, 22:00 (IST)

That's It! KL Rahul finishes of things in style! He remains unbeaten on 97 and that has been an exceptional innings from him. Not to forget Virat Kohli as the duo stitched up a sensational 165 run partnership taking India to the thresholds of victory from deep waters. A confidence boosting win for India this. Starting from the spin choke they deployed against Australia to the chase, it will help them in the tournament. 

08 Oct, 21:35 (IST)

Out! Finally it comes for Australia but it seems to be too late now. Virat Kohli crunches a pull shot off Josh Hazlewood straight into the hands of Marnus Labuschagne. Misses out on his century but overall and exceptional effort from the star batter to take India out of deep waters and in the threshold of a win. 

08 Oct, 21:13 (IST)

Some fiery stuff from Mitchell Starc as his bouncer hits Virat Kohli straight on the head. As India cruise towards a win, Starc tries to rattle Kohli up while the batter takes his on for a pull shot but gets beaten in pace with the ball hitting him right on the helmet. Physios are out to check out on the Indian batter. 

08 Oct, 20:37 (IST)

Fifty for KL Rahul too. He has been very dependable for India since his comeback and when things were chaotic at the beginning of the chase, he calmed the storm and consolidified the innings. Now he completes his half-century.  

08 Oct, 20:33 (IST)

How many times has Virat Kohli done it? This time he again soaks up pressure like a blotting paper and steadies the ship reaching his half-century on the way. Still work has to be done and he knows it. 

08 Oct, 20:04 (IST)

KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have brough the ground back under the feet of India. Rahul ahs not led Zampa be a threat putting pressure on him and the duo has now spent a good time on the crease. Australia again has to look for wicket which is the only way they can win this game. 

08 Oct, 19:26 (IST)

KL Rahul and Virat Kohli are looking for a rebuild after the consecutive blows early. Virat survived a close call with Mitchell Marsh dropping a simple catch. Spin has been introduced and India have been conscious about not losing another one any time soon. 

08 Oct, 18:43 (IST)

Out! Unbelievable scenes unfolding. Australia have struck thrice consecutive and Indian top order is already cleaned up. Shreyas Iyer tries to take on Josh Hazlewood, the ball stops on him a bit and lobs to David Warner in covers. India in trouble now. 

08 Oct, 18:40 (IST)

Out! Double whammy for India. This time captain Rohit Sharma departs. Josh Hazlewood sets him up bringing him across and then releases his nip backer to catch him in front of the wicket. Australia sniffing blood now. 

08 Oct, 18:33 (IST)

Out! The inevitable Mitchell Starc has struck early and Ishan Kishan leaves with a golden duck. Very wide of off stump, fullish and Ishan goes for the bog expansive drive only for him to nick it to the slip cordon. Australia has to believe here. 

Load More

The time for talk is over. Now is the time for all the action to kickstart on the field as India take on Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 8. Honestly, both teams could not have asked for a bigger game to start their respective campaigns off in this tournament. Experts and former cricketers have dubbed both India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites and the heavyweight sides will now battle it out in Chennai to get off to a good start to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. India and Australia met not very long ago in an ODI series which the Indians ended up winning 2-1. But Australia gave a glimpse of what they were capable of at full strength and if anything like that happens today, fans are in for an absolute treat at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. A lot is at stake for both teams, who would look to live up to the billing of being among the best sides in the tournament. India vs Australia, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Free Live Streaming Online: How To Watch IND vs AUS CWC Match Live Telecast on TV?.

India have a bit of concern going ahead into this match with regards to Shubman Gill's availability. The young cricketer is reportedly down with dengue and might miss this game, which is a blow for India given his terrific form in ODIs this year. India do have an able replacement in Ishan Kishan if Gill were to miss out. Rohit Sharma would also like to use his spinners intelligently on this Chennai track which traditionally favours spin. Ravichandran Ashwin might get a spot in the playing XI with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav as his partners. Australia on the other hand, have a fully fit squad at their disposal and it would be interesting to see the bowling attack they pick for this match.

Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Suryakumar Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Shubman Gill

Australia: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis