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In World Cup 2023, India will kick start their campaign against 5-time world cup champion- Australia. The high-octane clash between the two sides will be played on the south coast shores of Chennai.
The pitch in Chennai naturally is conducive to spinners because of the extra moisture. The average first innings score at this venue is 260. As per the facts are concerned, the team batting first wins most of the matches in Chennai. The wicket is bit slow as batsmen tend to face difficulties when spinners are in action.
Led by the astute Pat Cummins, the Australian team is packed with world-class players across all three departments. The 5 time WC champion team features a blend of seasoned campaigners who have proven their mettle on the grandest stages and young guns ready to make their mark on the world stage.
The likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, and Glenn Maxwell will offer crucial firepower in the batting department. The pace attack looks threatening with the likes of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood forming a formidable trio that can trouble any opposition.
The official 18-member squad was released by Cricket Australia on Monday.
Australia’s 18-member squad
Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
With Rohit Sharma finding much-needed form in the recently concluded test series against West Indies and with Virat Kohli back to his best, India's batting unit looks good for now, but the main question remains in the middle order which is still inexperienced. With Asia Cup and a few bilateral series coming up, India's team management will look to give as many chances to players to find form.
The pace battery of the Indian team will be a big boost with the inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah. But with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul injured, the No 4 spot is still up for grabs for players like Surya Kumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal who are in good form and are all set to make it to their first presence in ICC World Cup 2023.
India’s possible squad
Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Yashaswi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan(WC), Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, (Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul )(subject to fitness)
As far as head-to-head stats are concerned, Australia and India have faced each other in 12 matches in ICC World Cups. Out of these 12 games, Australia have won 8 whereas India have come out victorious 4 times.
India are scheduled to take on Australia on October 8, 2023 (Sunday).
Wankhede Stadium and Eden Gardens will host the semi-finals of ICC World Cup 2023. The final will be played on November 19 at Narendra Modi Stadium.
