Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, and in the second One-Day International at the Adelaide Oval, they again seized the initiative by winning the toss and electing to field. Their previous victory in Perth was a convincing seven-wicket win, achieved with 29 balls to spare under the DLS method in a rain-affected encounter.
India’s playing XI sees a notable absence once more with spinner Kuldeep Yadav missing out. He had been a standout performer for India in their last two series, impressing in both the Asia Cup and the West Indies Tests.
Australia won the toss and decided to field against India in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval.
The Indian side, led by Shubman Gill, is under pressure to deliver a stronger batting performance after managing only 136 runs in the first ODI. Their top order struggled significantly, with key players like Rohit Sharma (8), Shubman Gill (10), Virat Kohli (0), and Shreyas Iyer (11) all failing to contribute substantially as India stumbled to 45/4 early on.
To level the series, India has opted for an unchanged team. At the toss, Gill commented, “Looks like a good surface. We would have bowled as well as the pitch has been under cover for a couple of days. We’re expecting a little bit initially but happy to bat first. Hopefully the weather is good today and no stoppages. We’re going with the same team.”
In Kuldeep’s continued absence, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar will handle India’s spin bowling responsibilities. The pace attack will be led by Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana, with Nitish Kumar Reddy also available to chip in with a few overs.
Australia has made three adjustments to the playing XI that secured victory in Perth. Alex Carey, Xavier Bartlett, and Adam Zampa have been brought into the side, replacing Josh Philippe, Nathan Ellis, and Matthew Kuhnemann.
Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, after winning the toss, expressed his satisfaction: “The weather played havoc in Perth but the way we stuck at it was really pleasing. The pitch is great here. Hopefully a big crowd. An awesome opportunity to win the series.”
Australia’s Playing XI: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
India’s Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj