Rohit Sharma returns at the top as India look to seal the series
- Captain Rohit Sharma missed the first ODI but will be back for this game
- Australia should have David Warner and Alex Carey back for this fixture, having missed the first match
The hosts India won the first ODI in what was a low-scoring slow burner. The two teams will clash in the second match at Visakhapatnam on Sunday, March 19. Having taken 1-0 lead in the series, India walk into the match as favourites with the odds of 1.58
Find the best cricket odds on 10CRIC! Bet now!
Australia have a very depleted bowling attack and it was on show in the first game. They will be banking on their batting once again to keep the series alive. Australia have odds of 2.53 for winning this game.
India’s lower middle order in better shape than ever
India struggled for a competent lower middle order that is no. 5-6-7 for years. They finally have a quality duo of KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya at no. 5 & 6 followed by Ravindra Jadeja. This trio keeps them in the game even if they suffer an early collapse.
Our pick: India have a significantly stronger bowling attack than Australia and their batting looks pretty solid as well. We predict India to win the match at 1.58
The fast bowling duo of Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami was outstanding in the first ODI as they restricted Australia to just 188. Their top order succumbed to the new-ball spell but KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja steered them home.
Australia have predictably gone with a batting heavy approach but they’ll need to do a better job than the previous game. Their bowling attack, in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, relies on Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa.
Keep an eye on…
KL Rahul was magnificent in the previous game under a difficult and pressure situation, scoring an unbeaten 75. Rahul has made no. 5 his own, averaging 56 and striking at 100.
Steve Smith hasn’t had a great tour so far but you expect a player of his class to turn things around. He has 4939 runs in the ODI format at an average of 45 and strike rate of 87.
