 The
famous triangular series competition returns to action as Australia take on India
in the first match of the Commonwealth Bank Series on Sunday. The triangular series
had been replaced by bilateral series owing to Cricket Australia's view of difficulty
in making the neutral matches profitable. After four years, the three-sided format
returns with Sri Lanka as the third side in the tournament.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs India
The home side has an emphatic record in the triangular competitions in their own
backyard, having won 18 of the 25 tournaments played. The current side though
is undergoing a transition phase that sees a few new faces while some of the regular
ones miss out due to injury.
In Matthew Wade, Australia are looking to find an Adam Gilchrist-like
solution to aggression at the top of the order. David Warner, whose switch-hit
in the T20 has sparked some controversy, will be another threat for India. Amongst
the bowlers, Ryan Harris will be keen to impress upon his reputation as an ODI-specialist.
India would be relieved at having registered their first win on tour finally.
They will also look to draw inspiration from the fact that, on their last tour,
they won the triangular series against all odds.
The team will be bolstered by the return of Sachin Tendulkar to the ODI fold
after the maestro chose to focus only on test cricket following the World Cup
triumph. In the absence of Yuvraj Singh, out nursing a cancerous tumor,
the offer is ripe for the young batsmen to establish themselves.
Much will be expected from Rohit Sharma as well who has become a symbol
of hope of sorts. The fans are also full in anticipation from Irfan Pathan
who stages a comeback to the national side. Pathan romped to global fame on
his debut tour here back in 2004.
The day-night encounter will be played at the MCG, starting at 2.20pm local time.
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