India to face stiff challenge
After a scintillating T20I series win over Sri Lanka, Virat Kohli-led India will face a stiff challenge against Aaron Finch-led Australia in the first ODI of a three-match series here on Tuesday.
Australia are entering the contest after series wins over Pakistan and South Africa, and will be riding high on confidence.
Kohli’s men will be eager to avenge the home series defeat which they suffered at the hands of Australia last year in January. With India set to travel to New Zealand later this month, it will important for Kohli to win the series and keep the morale high before the away tour.
“It is always 3-2, 2-1 kind of series,” Kohli said on the eve of the opening game.
“Having played a lot against each other, we know the strengths and weaknesses of either side. So it’s always good and a tough challenge playing Australia purely because of the skill set and mindset they bring on to the field.”
Kohli said India will need a top performance in every game.
“As players we are excited to play a full strength Australia in our conditions, also to test ourselves against the best,” said Kohli.
“In the year of the World Cup as many games as we play together as a team, it’s going to benefit us, especially the white-ball cricket.”
The high-voltage rivalries that fans enjoy will be back as Rohit Sharma’s elegance will be pitted against enforcer David Warner while the Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith duel will resume in earnest.
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