Australia will go into the second ODI in Brisbane with a psychological edge. On Tuesday, Steve Smith’s transitional side chased down a 300-plus target for the fourth time at home in Perth against classy Indian spinners like world No. 1 Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Will the script change for MS Dhoni’s team at the Gabba on Friday? Get live scores and updates here. (LIVE SCORECARD | SCHEDULE | NEWS | VIDEOS | PHOTOS)
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Toss could become a big factor on Friday’s day-night match between India and Australia. To score 309 runs and then lose a match is not a comforting feeling. MS Dhoni may be inclined to chase at the Gabba. Not because he has the batting depth but because there is forecast for rain in the evening. Duckworth Lewis always helps the side batting second.
Gabba should see another high-scoring contest. Both teams have the batting talent to score freely. After India lost in Perth, NDTV expert Sunil Gavaskar predicted that this five-match ODI series should be a batsmen’s series and even a score of 350 looks vulnerable. That means the team with the better bowling skills will make the difference.
Dhoni must be mulling over his playing XI. Ashwin and Jadeja missed their ‘Indian’ venom in Perth. But the ex-Chennai Super Kings duo remains Dhoni’s most trusted generals. To opt for a seaming all-rounder – Rishi Dhawan is therefore a good choice – may give the Indian side some extra muscle. Bhuvneshwar Kumar could lose out.
Australia look far more settled. With David Warner away on paternity duty, Shaun Marsh has a chance to show his batting skills. The solidity of skipper Steve Smith and George Bailey, the pair scored a match-winning 242 for the third wicket in Perth, is more than an assurance.
Aussie pace attack may be fortified. John Hastings is one of Australia’s most lethal death bowlers. Whether he gets the nod ahead of Kane Richardson remains to be seen.
Source: NDTV