1st ODI: India win toss, choose to bowl against Australia

Both squads are poised to seize this series as a crucial prep for the imminent ODI World Cup, aiming to fine-tune their star players into peak form.

Mohali: India skipper KL Rahul won the toss and opted to field in the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia on Friday at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium.

Both teams will be looking to make the most of the series as they gear up for the upcoming ODI World Cup and get their star players in form.

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India skipper KL Rahul said at the time of the toss, “We’ll bowl first. Historically a good chasing ground, that’s about it. There are a few boxes that we need to tick and the boxes that we’ve ticked we need to keep doing it better. One more challenge, best team in the world so good to play against them. They are a very competitive team so we’ve enjoyed playing against them. It’s always a great challenge.”

Australia skipper Pat Cummins said at the time of the toss, “Good to be back, it’s been a while since I’ve been back here. Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell are not quite ready. Would’ve bowled first as well but don’t really mind. It’s nice and sunny out here. Warner and Marsh will open the batting. Smith, Marnus and Inglis to follow.”

India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w/c), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis(w), Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, Pat Cummins(c), Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa.