Australia vs India 2nd ODI Preview: Will India bounce back?

By Sridhar Bhamidi

28 Nov 2020

Sridhar Bhamidi 28 Nov 2020

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Australia and India meet in the 2nd ODI at the SCG
Australia won the 1st ODI by 66 runs
Australia have won five of their last six ODIs at this venue.
India have lost their last four bilateral ODIs away from home.

Australia

Powered by a couple of contrasting centuries and disciplined bowling performances, Australia defeated India by 66 runs in the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.

That gives them a chance to win the series outright when the sides meet again at the same venue on Sunday.

India will have a lot to ponder about their performances and combinations to have any chance of staying alive in the series.

Australia Form

Batting first on a flat pitch, Australia powered to 374/6 with captain Aaron Finch and Steve Smith smashing centuries. While Finch was circumspect and played around for his hundred (114 off 124 balls), Smith was aggressive in notching up the third-fastest century for Australia off 62 balls. There were contributions from David Warner and Glenn Maxwell too as Australia posted an imposing total.

The Indian chase was punctured early on with Josh Hazlewood picking up three crucial wickets including that of Virat Kohli. Adam Zampa picked up 4/54 in the middle overs to make sure there are no hiccups. The positive news for Australia is that they still have room for improvement.

Australia News

All-rounder Marcus Stoinis hobbled off while bowling and is a doubt for the second ODI. That could open the door for Moises Henriques or a debut for Cameron Green. Otherwise, Australia should field the same team.

India Form

India looked rusty with the ball as Jasprit Bumrah (1/73), Yuzvendra Chahal (1/89) and Navdeep Saini (1/83) all went for runs. Mohammed Shami (3/59) was the lone exception, but India’s fielding negated his effect.

Shikhar Dhawan played well for his 76 off 86 balls, but it was Hardik Pandya who gave Indian fans hope with his knock of 90 from 76 balls. India were in the game till he was around and that’s a tribute to how well Hardik has played. However, the lack of support and the gigantic target meant India were always playing catch-up.

India News

Virat Kohli spoke before the series as to how Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will be rotated. Shami looked the best of the Indian bowlers, while Bumrah’s rustiness meant he needed more game time. The lack of an all-rounder is India’s biggest headache but Kohli has not many options in his squad.

Australia vs India Head to Head

The win on Friday extended Australia’s dominance over India to 37-13 in 52 ODIs played in Australia with two ending as no results. Overall, that record is 79-52 in favour of Australia.

Australia vs India Match Up

Australia look stronger in the opening department and are better balanced than the visitors. While Stoinis’ absence is a concern, they have ready made replacements. India are struggling with their bowling options and that tilts the balance in favour of Australia. With a long tour ahead, Australia will be keen to wrap the series at the first time of asking.

Australia vs India Stats

Australia have won 15 of their 17 ODIs at Sydney Cricket Ground against India.
Friday’s win meant Australia have won five of their last six ODIs at this venue.
The team batting first has now won eight of the last nine ODIs at this venue.
India have lost their last four bilateral ODIs away from home.
David Warner and Aaron Finch average over 100 against India at an aggregate of 1100+ runs in just 13 innings.

Prediction

India felt the absence of a sixth bowling option on Friday and that could come back to haunt them in the second match too. Australia have Stoinis’ absence to worry about, although it could be Moises Henriques getting a recall. Overall, it is the Aussies who look well-balanced and settled to continue their winning run.

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