As the Australian cricket team makes its way to Indian shores for the biggest bilateral limited overs series in India since 2011, excitement amongst the fans is at an all-time high
VVS Laxman and Micheal Clarke
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New Delhi: As the Australian cricket team makes its way to Indian shores for the biggest bilateral limited overs series in India since 2011, excitement amongst the fans is at an all-time high. India v Australia matches, over the past few years have contributed to some of the most memorable moments in modern day sport. The upcoming Paytm India v Australia ODI series is expected to be nothing less, with two of the best batsmen in world cricket - Steven Smith and Virat Kohli - leading their respective teams in the quest to gain the top ranking in ODIs.
Australia has been a frequent visitor to the Indian subcontinent, primarily due to their IPL commitments. This has made them accustomed to Indian conditions like never before. Under the leadership of Virat Kohli, team India has dominated both at home and overseas, and would aim to carry on the momentum and stake their claim at being no. 1 in ODI. Australia, on the other hand, would look to make the most of their affinity to the subcontinent, as they attempt to challenge India on their home turf for the first time since 2009-10.
Commenting on the upcoming Australia Tour of India, in New Delhi, former Australian captain Michael Clarke said, "The familiarity of the Australian team with Indian conditions, having played in the country over the years, gives the team a unique advantage on Indian tracks. The way India has transformed as a team, over the last decade, has made them a strong force to contend with. Australia also understands the strengths and weaknesses of Indian players, which is another plus and will add to their strategy."
Speaking on the series, former Indian cricketer V.V.S. Laxman said, "I have some very fond memories of playing against Australia, which are some of the most competitive games I have played in my cricket career. You always have to be on the top of your game if you're playing against the Aussies. India v Australia match ups are known to create great cricketing moments. Be it Rohit Sharma's blistering 209 in Bangalore, 2013 or Steven Smith's rollicking 149 in Perth last year. Australia's Tour of India will most importantly test the two captains on how they use their best talent to their advantage. And as we all know, since Aussie Sab Janta Hai, they are at home here, they know a lot, it will be interesting to see whether they are able to repeat the heroics of 2009-10 series."
The competition between the Australian batting line-up and Indian bowling will be intriguing, and will determine the outcome of the series. With Warner, Finch and Smith leading the charge, along with the firepower of Maxwell lower down the order, they could pose a formidable challenge for the Indian team. The Virat Kohli led outfit would look to get the better of the likes of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood in their bid for a third consecutive ODI series victory.
Cricketing enthusiasts from all over the world, will have their eyes on the Star Sports Network from 17th September onwards. Fans can catch the matches live on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 HD Hindi, Star Sports 1 Tamil and Hotstar.
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