Australia Eye Series Win in Adelaide as India Look to Stay Alive

Australia Eye Series Win in Adelaide as India Look to Stay Alive

After a rain-affected opening clash in Perth, Australia head into Thursday’s second ODI against India with a chance to seal the series in front of a packed Adelaide Oval, while the visitors fight to keep the contest alive.

Despite the weather disruptions, Australia took control of the opening game before rain washed away hopes of a full contest. Now, with no rain in the forecast and batting-friendly conditions expected in Adelaide, both teams will be eager for a more complete showdown.

Hazlewood, Starc Shine Early

The standout takeaway from the Perth ODI was Australia’s dominant new-ball spell, spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Hazlewood, in particular, looked sharp and menacing, removing Rohit Sharma early and setting the tone for Australia's attack.

With Pat Cummins set to miss the first Ashes Test, Hazlewood’s fitness and rhythm will be crucial as selectors assess their pace arsenal ahead of the blockbuster Test series. But for now, Australia are focused on rediscovering consistency in 50-over cricket after a mixed run of results.

The team’s depth was on display in Perth, with ODI debutants Matt Renshaw and Mitchell Owen performing solidly, and fringe players Josh Philippe and Matt Kuhnemann also making the most of their chances.

India Seeking a Response

India, on the other hand, had little to cheer about. A late cameo from debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy and a promising new-ball spell by Arshdeep Singh were rare positives in an otherwise rusty display.

The top order — including the returning Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — failed to fire, with Shubman Gill also falling cheaply in his ODI captaincy debut. The team looked underdone following a tight turnaround from the Test series against West Indies.

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, however, remains confident: “Both Virat and Rohit looked in good touch. They batted well in the nets yesterday. I believe they are doing well.”

India are likely to stick with the same batting line-up, though questions linger over the bowling combination. Kuldeep Yadav may return in place of Washington Sundar or Axar Patel, while Prasidh Krishna could be favoured over Harshit Rana for his swing bowling on a surface that traditionally aids batters.

All Eyes on Short and Sharma

With competition heating up in Australia’s batting line-up, Matthew Short finds himself under pressure. He managed just 8 in Perth and will be eager to make a mark at his home ground, Adelaide Oval, where he has starred for the Strikers in the BBL.

For India, Rohit Sharma’s form remains in focus. The opener looked uncomfortable against the moving ball in Perth but has been working hard in the nets to find fluency and respond to doubts about his ODI future.

Pitch and Conditions

After recent rain, ground staff have been using UV lights to dry the pitch, but Thursday promises overcast yet dry weather — perfect for a full contest. Adelaide Oval’s shorter square boundaries typically favour batters, setting the stage for a high-scoring game.

Possible XIs

Australia (probable):
Mitchell Marsh (capt), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Alex Carey (wk), Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

India (probable):
Shubman Gill (capt), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar/Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana/Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj

Stats and Milestones

  • Virat Kohli needs 54 runs to surpass Kumar Sangakkara and become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history.

  • Travis Head is 50 runs away from reaching 3000 ODI runs.

  • Mitchell Starc is five wickets shy of becoming the fourth Australian to take 250 ODI wickets, joining McGrath, Lee, and Warne.

  • Australia haven’t beaten India in an ODI at Adelaide Oval since 2008, with India successfully chasing in both 2011 and 2019.

What They Said

Matthew Renshaw:
“Adelaide's always a good place to play and it will be heaving tomorrow. It's a sellout, so it's a great chance for guys to show off their skills.”

Sitanshu Kotak (India batting coach):
“Both Virat and Rohit looked in good touch. I believe they are doing well.”