ICC World Cup 2019: Match 14, India vs Australia, Preview – Titans clash at The Oval for supremacy

This contest is like a boxing bout between Mohammad Ali and Mike Tyson, drawing interest from every cricketing corner. Five-time champions Australia defeated India in the semifinals of the World Cup 2015 by a comprehensive margin, which served as a vengeance to India’s unforgettable 5-wicket win in the 2011 Quarterfinals at Motera.

All of that is in the past, both teams have knocked each other out in different formats in the last few months. India won the Test and ODI series in Australia but the Men in yellow fought back to win the ODI series in India 3-2. Their winning run in this format which began with the third ODI in Ranchi has continued till their recent win the tournament against Windies.

This is India’s second game in the tournament, having defeated South Africa in their opening encounter. But this one is going to be ever so challenging, with two of Australia’s fast bowlers in unbelievable form and their batsmen scoring runs for fun. There’s a lot at stake for both sides and will go hell for leather at each other at The Oval.

Playing Combinations

India

Both the leg-spinners bowled beautifully for India, especially Yuzvendra Chahal, who chipped in with a 4-fer. But still, the team management might prefer Ravindra Jadeja ahead of Kuldeep Yadav. The chinaman has been at the receiving end against Australia recently.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah too were outstanding, which keeps Mohammed Shami on the bench. Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli will be under some pressure to get more runs with Rohit Sharma already notching a hundred. KL Rahul and MS Dhoni got good starts, which should seal their spots at number 4 and 5.

Probable XI

Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (C), KL Rahul, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Kedar Jadhav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia

Nathan Coulter-Nile chipped in with a remarkable knock, just showing how deep they can bat. Their top order didn’t get going against the Windies and the management will be hoping for them to bounce back. Glenn Maxwell is the only one in the top five who has a point to prove with the bat right now. Mitchell Starc won the game all by himself with the ball, which is another indication as to how important he is for this team. Pat Cummins and Zampa too bowled well for the side.

Probable XI

David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (WK), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.

Focus will be on

Virat Kohli (India)

This guy doesn’t remain silent for long and despite failing to get a big score in the previous game, Virat Kohli gets even more hungry in contests of this magnitude and stature. He loves the big stage and big opponents, which is what makes him a very special cricketer. He is also inching closer towards the 11,000-run mark in ODIs and a big score here could help him get there.

Pat Cummins (Australia)

In the Test series against India, Pat Cummins showed great spirit and made the visiting side work very hard for their win. He has grown in stature in the last 12 months and already has picked up five wickets in the tournament in two outstanding spells against Afghanistan and Windies. He looks in great shape and his partnership with Mitchell Starc is a little too hot to handle right now.

Head to head

Matches played – 136 | India won – 49 | Australia won – 77 | No result – 10

Stat Attack

2 – Nathan Coulter-Nile needs two more scalps to register 50 wickets in this format.

50 – If India wins this game, it’ll be their 50th win against Australia. They previously registered 50 ODI wins against 6 different teams.

Broadcast details

TV – Star Sports

Live Streaming – Hotstar

Match Timings – 15:00 IST; 10:30 local.