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Do-or-die for India in Sydney

By Mumbai Indians

The second One Day International between Australia and India is set to take place at the high-scoring Sydney Cricket Ground yet again.

The Men in Blue must pocket this game against the hosts in order to stay in contention for a series victory in their first international stint since March this year.

Here are some talking points before the second ODI:

Bowling revival needed for the Men in Blue

Indian bowlers were at the receiving end of some ferocious batting by the hosts in the first ODI on the same ground with the Aussies putting up a mammoth 374/6 on board.

Leggie Yuzvendra Chahal went for 89 runs and created the forgettable record for the most conceded by an Indian spinner in an ODI. Speedsters Navdeep Saini and Jasprit Bumrah were the next most expensive bowlers, having given away 83 and 73 runs respectively.

A lot will depend on India’s bowling attack comeback for things to turn around in the second game.

Top order magic for Oz

Yet again, it was the top 3 for the Aussies that paved a way for that big total in the first game. Given that it is the same ground against an opponent they faced less than 48 hours ago, they will look to reciprocate their performances.

Saini’s injury concern

Pacer Navdeep Saini’s back spasm has been a matter of concern. Thangarasu Natarajan has been included in the ODI squad as a back-up too. In the case of Saini’s ruling out, Shardul Thakur might find a place in the XI, keeping in mind his batting capabilities as well.

Hardik will look to keep his momentum

Having touched his personal best in ODIs on his first international game in over a year, Hardik Pandya will look to keep his touch and continue the good run.

The healthy strike rate also speaks of his confidence in returning to national duties and playing his role well.

Marcus Stoinis’ injury

All-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who got out for a golden duck in the first game but came back with a good economy rate of 3.94 with the ball, picked up a strain.

It stands to be seen whether highly-rated all-rounder Cameron Green might be handed his ODI cap as a replacement or Ashton Agar or Moises Henriques make it to the playing XI.

Rain scare

At Syndey, there is a probability of rain during the second half of the day. With temperatures oscillating and the humidity increasing as the day progresses, the captains might want to call it right at toss time for an upper hand.

The second ODI between Australia and India will be played at Sydney Cricket Ground from 9:10 AM IST on 29th Nov 2020.