Ind vs Aus 2019: Australia's predicted playing XI for the 1st ODI

Australia will take on India in a 5-match ODI series after successfully trumping the hosts 2-0 in the two-match T20I series. While the first match was a humdinger after initially being a one-sided game, the second one was a 'Maxwell Show' as the Aussie batsman smashed his way to a 55-ball 113 to lead the Aussies to victory.

KL Rahul was the most improved player for India in the series and Maxwell's rise in form will certainly be applauded by the Australian side. The concerns for India come in the form of Rishabh Pant and Dhawan's batting and skipper Finch's poor form is a major cause for concern in the Australian side.

The 1st ODI is to be played on 2nd March 2019 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. The hosts will want to get a win under their belt and show some confidence. Rahul is likely to continue as opener and India will rotate between Dhawan and Rohit.

Australia will want to continue their good form and their pacers will want to seize control of the match as they've been very impressive.

Let's take a look at Australia's predicted playing XI for the 1st ODI.

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Openers- D'arcy Short and Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch and D'arcy Short

D'arcy Short and Aaron Finch are expected to open the batting for the Australian side in the 1st ODI. Short showed positive signs in both the innings and timed the ball exquisitely in the 2nd T20I. He has made few good contributions in the past and this is the right time for his ODI comeback.

Aaron Finch, the Aussie skipper had a poor time in the ODI series and needs to find his form in the one-dayers. He demoted himself to No.3 to accommodate Marcus Stoinis at the top and with the change in format, he can go back to his preferred position and look to make some runs.

Middle Order- Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey(Wicket-Keeper) and Peter Handscomb

Usman Khawaja

The ODI specialists in Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh are expected to make a comeback to the side in the 1st ODI. Both of them were part of the T20I side but didn't make an appearance. Khawaja has been a solid part of the ODI side and will want to play big innings for the side and gain some confidence.

Shaun Marsh has been an excellent player against India and has played a few great knocks in the recent past. He won't be available for the first match and hence Alex Carey might be given a chance to prove himself in the side.

Peter Handscomb has battled it out with Alex Carey for the spot of the wicket-keeper and he has given much better performances than the latter and is most likely to retain his spot in the team. Whether Carey plays or not, Handscomb will stay.

All-Rounders- Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis

Glenn Maxwell awed spectators as he smashed his way to a blistering 113 off 55 balls. He showed tremendous character batting at No.4 and though Marsh and Khawaja are set to make a return, his innings shows that there might be shuffling in their batting order. Maxwell might have to roll over his arm at some point of time as Australia might want to play an extra batsman.

Marcus Stoinis will be another key player for Australia in the ODI series. He wasn't able to excel as an opener in the T20I series and a change in batting order is likely and he's expected to move back to the middle order. He will surely play some role with the ball as they will play in a Hyderabad pitch and Australia can't afford to play more than 3 specialist pacers. He will look to shine if given a chance with the bat early on in the innings.

Spinner- Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa is expected to retain his place as a spinner in the side as he bowled economically and with control against very good batsmen. Zampa's tendency to bowl flippers rather than turn the ball will be supported by the Hyderabad pitch which doesn't offer too much turn. He has had the number of many of India's top batsmen and should be given a chance to play in the ODIs and should get the nod ahead of Nathan Lyon.

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Fast Bowlers- Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff

Jhye Richardson will be a key player for Australia

Pat Cummins was hailed as the No.1 bowler in the Australian side and he has had a decent start to the tour of India. After bowling with great control in the first match, he was taken apart by the likes of Rahul, Kohli and Dhoni in the 2nd game. He was one bowler who troubled India when they toured Australia and he will look to do the same here.

Jason Behrendorff and Jhye Richardson seem most likely to board the bus for the WC for Australia along with their star pace bowling trio. With Starc and Hazlewood rested, the two pacers should get chances to play in all kinds of conditions.