Australia vs India 2018-19: Mitchell Marsh back to full fitness ahead of 2nd ODI

What's the story?

Australia have received a major boost ahead of the second ODI against India at Adelaide. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has recovered from the bout of gastritis which had kept him out of the opening ODI and is now available for selection.

Prior to Marsh bowling at the training session, vice-captain Alex Carey confirmed, "Mitch is good, he's back fully fit and ready to go. He is going to have a bowl today and he will have a hit, so we will see how he pulls up."

The background

After a below-par show in the Test series, Mitchell Marsh had been hoping to return to form with a change in format. However, ahead of the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he complained of gastritis and had to be hospitalised.

The heart of the matter

In Mitchell Marsh's absence, Australia relied on Marcus Stoinis to perform the seam all-rounder's role. Coming into bat at 186/4, the latter scored an unbeaten 43-ball 47 to lift the team total to 288.

Although he copped some lusty blows off Rohit Sharma's blade, Stoinis had the last laugh when he removed the centurion with a clever change of pace and consequently cleared the path for Australia to surge to a 34-run victory.

With temperatures in Adelaide expected to soar past the 40-mark, it remains unclear if the team management would want to risk Mitchell Marsh as he has just recovered from a stomach illness.

Unlike before the preceding game, Australia have not yet announced their playing eleven for the second ODI. It won't be a surprise if they decide to go in with an unchanged lineup.

What's next?

The second ODI between Australia and India will take place at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday from 0850 IST. Having already taken a 1-0 lead, the hosts have a massive opportunity to seal the 3-match series in their favour.