India Vs Australia: 3 Players India should be wary of.
And no, it’s not the usual Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner and recent millionaire Pat Cummins…
But who then... You may ask? Well, continue reading to find out!
1.Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne is quite literally living the dream, isn’t he? Ever since the highly impressive performance in the Ashes last year, Labuschagne,has been a run machine for Australia throughout the summer and has even be named by fans all around the world as Steve Smith version 2. After being such a successful selection in the red-ball format, the selectors had to include him in the team for the one day format and what better place to start than in India.
Labuschagne’s list A record isn’t as equally as good as his batting average in tests. However, let us not forget that he has so far only played 33 matches and has and an average of 38, which to be fair isn’t so bad. The good news from Labuschagne’s perspective is that he has recently scored both 87 and 135 in the white-ball format against South Australia and West Australia.
Where would he bat?
The last ODI, Australia played was six months ago at the World Cup. Jeez, time flies by doesn’t it? During their World Cup campaign, it was clear that Australia lacked a solid number 3 even though they had Smith at 4. I believe, that Labuschagne is well suited to the number 3 position as he is used to playing a similar role in Tests and has clearly succeeded! With Labuschagne at 3 and Smith at 4, Australia could provide to be a tough team to beat for India.
2.Kane Richardson
When you look at the current bunch of fast bowlers for this series, you will either think it would be either Starc or Cummins to provide the crucial breakthroughs for Australia. However, I believe Kane Richardson will be Australia’s go-to man throughout this series.
Richardson who has an array of slower balls, should find that the slower surfaces in India suit his bowling style well. In addition, he is coming off excellent form in the Big Bash league with recent figures of 4/22, 4/33 and 1/31.
RCB Fans will also be keeping an eye on his performances in India, as they look to win their first IPL trophy this year.
When would he bowl?
Richardson is primarily a death overs specialist. His variations when batsman are trying to score those crucial extra runs should augur well for Australia.
3. Ashton Turner
Ashton Turner has fond memories of playing in India. After missing out from the World Cup squad selection due to a shoulder injury, Turner will be keen to solidify his place in the team as a middle-order batsman.
Turner who has a List A average of 34, proved last year that he was more than capable of playing in foreign conditions when he scored that impressive 84 off 43 balls in Mohali. If he repeats a similar sort of performance throughout the short ODI series, I feel it will be tough for the likes of Stoinis and Glen Maxwell to get back into the team.
Where would he bat?
I reckon Turner will bat at number 5. With a strike rate of 145 and clearly comfortable playing against spin, he can up the scoring rate when India bring in either of Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal in the middle overs.
Thank You for reading.
