After the completion of India vs Sri Lanka T20I series, Virat Kohli and Co will take on Australia in a three-match ODI series, starting from January 14. The two cricketing powerhouses have been on a roll in white-ball cricket off late and thus, one can expect the three-match affair to be a nail-biter. In the ongoing home season, India have been dominant across formats and have thrashed South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies. On the other hand, the return of David Warner and Steve Smith has strengthened the Australian team and they must fancy their chances of defeating India in their fortress. Well, the forthcoming series is also expected to witness some breathtaking individual clashes and below, we’ll look at some of them. BCCI Announces Team India’s Squad for Home Series Against Australia in January 2020.

Last year, when these two sides locked horns in an ODI series on Indian soil, the Men in Yellow put up an unbelievable performance and clinch the series 3-2 after being 0-2 down after first two matches. Also, they registered the triumph in the absence of Warner and Smith and will eye to replicate their heroics again. On the other hand, India’s skipper Virat Kohli and his deputy Rohit Sharma are enjoying a purple patch in white-ball cricket and the Aussie bowlers must vary them.  Along with that, the return of Jasprit Bumrah will also strengthen the hosts’ bowling attack. Meanwhile, let’s look at some mini battles which can enhance the thrill of series. David Warner vs Rohit Sharma, Ad Campaign For India vs Australia 2020 ODI Series.

David Warner vs Jasprit Bumrah

The Australian southpaw has a stupendous record in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and thus, is very well aware of the sub-continental conditions. The opener likes to attack the bowlers from the outset and can also change the course of the match in no time. However, India have the services of Jasprit Bumrah, who can pierce the defences of any batsman in the world. With Warner opening the innings and Bumarh handling the new ball, the two are certain to face each other, early in the innings and let’s see, who will come on top.

Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Starc

Well, this is one battle which is awaited by many cricket fans around the world. The number one ranked ODI batsman tends to score big runs on a regular basis and restricting him for low scorer is certainly a big task. Well, Australia have Mitchell Starc in their line-up, who has all the attributes which require to be a great pacer. The left-arm quick, generally, sets the speed gun on fire and his toe-crushing yorkers can give any batsmen a run for their money.

Kuldeep Yadav vs Marnus Labuschagne

Australia’s rising star Marnus Labuschagne has splendid start to his Test career and will eye to replicate his heroics in the 50-over format as well. The right-handed batsman is certain to make his debut in the opening game and will eye to make a mark. However, he will be challenged by the turning deliveries of Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm chainman spinner is certainly not easy to read and his record speaks for himself. Also, he needs just one scalp to complete 100 ODI wickets and will seek to get to the milestone in his first spell itself.

India and Australia last faced-off each other during the group-stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The Men in Blue dominated that clash and clinched it by 36 runs. Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Virat Kohli shined with the bat as India posted 352 runs in first innings. In reply, the Aussies tried to make a fightback with David Warner, Steve Smith and Alex Carey scoring fifties. However, the target proved to be too much and they lost the match.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2020 02:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).