India will tour Australia to play three ODIs, as many T20Is, followed by a four-match Test series after the conclusion of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season in UAE.
Cricket Australia (CA) on Wednesday announced the full schedule after getting clearances from the respective state governments amidst the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The tour will kick-off with a three-match ODI series starting from November 27.
Lock it in! 🔒
We’ve confirmed the schedule for the blockbuster Australia-India men’s series: https://t.co/AecJ2Iq5h2 pic.twitter.com/XhOwsKTVW9
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) October 27, 2020
The first two ODIs will be played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on November 27 and 29, respectively. The series will conclude with a trip to the capital, Canberra, as the Manuka Oval will host the final One Day International on December 2.
Here’s how Virat Kohli and his men are expected to line-up for the ODI series.
Openers: Shikhar Dhawan & Mayank Agarwal
Veteran batsman Shikhar Dhawan is expected to return to the playing XI after missing out during the New Zealand tour earlier this year. Mayank Agarwal, owing to his brilliant form in the ongoing IPL 2020, is expected to partner Shikhar in the absence of veteran stalwart, Rohit Sharma, who is out injured.
Middle-Order: KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, & Shreyas Iyer
After being named vice-captain, following Rohit Sharma’s surprise exclusion from the team, KL Rahul will lead the middle-order along with his master and skipper, Virat Kohli, who once again will be the topic of discussion throughout the two-month-long tour. Shreyas Iyer, who is currently marshaling his troops at the helm of the Delhi Capitals, will provide much-needed depth to the middle-order.
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja
Hardik Pandya, back after a 6-month sabbatical amidst a back injury, has been firing on all cylinders in the ongoing edition of the IPL in UAE. Though he is still not cleared to bowl, Pandya, who is plying his trade for Mumbai Indians, continues to impress with the bat.
Meanwhile, Jadeja is known as more of a bowling all-rounder, has time in time showcased that he can bat like any other batting all-rounder, including Hardik. Jadeja will also aim to contribute with the ball, especially when it comes to bagging those crucial wickets in the middle.
Bowlers: Navdeep Saini, Mohammad Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, & Jasprit Bumrah
Though still quite young, Jasprit Bumrah will be eager to lead the pace department along with the experience and exuberance of Mohammad Shami and Navdeep Saini, respectively. The spinners department, on the other hand, will be led by Yuzvendra Chahal.
India’s ODI squad for Australia Tour: Virat Kohli (Capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul (vc & wk), Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Agarwal, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur