The real carnival of cricket starts today as hosts and favourites India begin their World Cup dream against the five-time champions Australia, and the venue is the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Australia have won the trophy five times (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015) while India became world champions twice (1983 and 2011).
Both teams are determined to kickstart their World Cup journey with a victory, aiming to build the confidence needed for a successful tournament campaign.
India and Australia have played each other in 149 ODIs, with the Aussies winning 83 times and India 56. In ICC World Cups as well, Australia have a much stronger record as they have won eight out of 12 matches played so far. Australia have a 3-2 winning advantage over India in the last five games. India lost two of their last five ODI matches whereas Australia lost only one.
Rohit Sharma’s men would eye a win to get going and having beaten Australia at home just ahead of the World Cup, they would be confident to do so. However, Shubman Gill’s availability is a big concern for Team India as he is suspected to have contacted Dengue. Rahul Dravid in a pre-match press conference said that they will take a call on Gill’s inclusion in India’s Playing 11 at the right time.
For Australia the problem will be facing the Indian spinners as R Ashwin is likely to find a place in India’s Playing 11 ahead of Shardul Thakur. Pat Cummins in the pre-tournament presser said that Australia have a plan for the Indian spinners.
India vs Australia playing 11
India Playing 11 Probable
Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan/Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur/ Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav
Australia Playing 11 Probable
Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
The India vs Australia live toss for the World Cup match will take place at 01:30 PM IST.
The World Cup match between India and Australia will begin at 2:00 PM IST.
Star Sports will live broadcast the India vs Australia World Cup match in India.
Hotstar will live stream the India vs Australia World Cup match in India for free.
