ODI World Cup 2023: Australia's strongest predicted playing XI against India

The games are coming thick and fast in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 and two former champions, India (IND) and Australia (AUS) are set to begin their campaigns on Sunday, October 8, when they face each other at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

India are coming off dominating wins in the Asia Cup 2023 and the recent three-match ODI series against Australia. They would be confident about their chances heading into the clash against Pat Cummins and Co. but they will have to deal with the pressure of expectations that accompany a home World Cup.

Australia, on the other hand, have not been in great form as of late, losing back-to-back ODI series in South Africa and India. However, on the big stage, not too many teams can match their prowess as they know how to take their game to the next level. They will have to adapt to the Chepauk track, which is expected to favour the spinners. However, their record at the venue of five wins and one loss in six games will surely give them a lot of confidence.

Here's Australia’s Predicted XI Against India:

Openers: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh

The opening pair is always crucial for any team. Australia suffered a huge setback when Travis Head was ruled out of the first half of the tournament following an injury he suffered during the series against South Africa. Mitchell Marsh was given the role of opening the innings alongside David Warner and the all-rounder played a mesmerising knock of 96 off 84 balls in the third and final ODI against India. In six innings as an opener, Marsh has an average of 73 and has also registered four half-centuries.

Warner has been in prolific form as of late. He scored 206 runs in the five-match series against South Africa, averaging 41.20. However, this was just a teaser as he went on to smash a hat-trick of half-centuries against India in the three-match series. The southpaw has played 12 ODIs in India, averaging 52.27, and he also has a strike rate of 104.54.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Middle Order: Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne

Steve Smith has a strike rate of over 90 in only two countries in ODI cricket. One is, of course, Australia, and the second is India. His ability to thrive against spinners makes him one of the most crucial batters for the Aussies in sub-continental conditions. If Smith can bat deep, he will ensure that the scoreboard keeps on ticking.

Marnus Labuchagne wasn't initially picked in the 15-man side but an injury to Ashton Agar allowed the experienced right-handed batter to make the trip to India. He also possesses a solid technique against the spinners and it will bode well for Australia in the middle overs. The right-handed batter scored 138 runs in the three matches in India at an average of 46.

All-rounder: Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green

Australia are blessed to have a plethora of genuine all-rounders in their side. Glenn Maxwell has played 129 ODIs thus far and has a mind-boggling strike rate of 124.68, which is quite decent even in T20 cricket. He will be key for the Aussies as he can unsettle the spinners with his range of unorthodox shots.

Cameron Green has already announced himself to world cricket with some sparkling knocks in the different formats of the game. He can play the waiting game and also up the ante when required. The 24-year-old has only played 20 ODIs and is still finding his feet in the 50-over format but his ability to change the complexion of the match, by using the long handle, makes him a player to watch out for. He also bowls at decent speeds and can trouble the batters with the extra bounce he gets due to his height.

Wicketkeeper: Alex Carey

Alex Carey is another player who has the ability to counterattack against the spinners. Like most other wicketkeeper-batters, the southpaw has unconventional shots like the sweeps and the reverse-sweeps that can throw the spinners off their game. The 32-year-old has an average of 33.59 in the 71 ODIs he has played, which is quite decent considering the fact that he bats mostly in the lower-middle order.

Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

The Australian bowling unit has played together for a number of years and knows how to support each other. Mitchell Starc is the wicket-taker in the pack as his ability to swing the ball both ways at good speeds makes him a lethal option. The left-arm seamer has picked up 220 wickets in 11 ODIs at 22.24.

Pat Cummins will bowl with control, sticking to good lines and lengths and challenging the batters at all times. He played two matches in the series against India and picked up as many wickets. His overall record in India in 50-overs cricket is quite impressive, as he has scalped 22 wickets in 15 games at an average of 32 and a strike rate of 38.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

Josh Hazlewood is placed at No. 2 in the ICC ODI rankings for bowlers. In 74 matches, Hazlewood has picked up 116 wickets at an average of 26.41. His miserly economy rate of just 4.70 speaks volumes of his consistent accuracy.

Adam Zampa conceded 113 runs in his 10 overs in the fourth ODI of the series against South Africa. However, he still managed to finish as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the series. The experienced leg-spinner was expensive in the series against India but Rohit Sharma and Co. would not take him lightly as his record in India is quite noteworthy. In 16 games, Zampa has picked 27 wickets at an average of 30.77.

Australia's Predicted XI:

David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Also Check: ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 Points Table