India vs Australia 2019: 4 things for Indian fans to look forward to
We do not get to see India vs Pakistan matches often these days. However, we do still have the India vs Australia rivalry to give us some spicy cricket.
After a long tour Down Under which gave India moments to cherish for a lifetime, it is now India's chance to welcome the Aussies in their own backyard for a limited-overs series.
With India looking to settle their squad for the World Cup 2019, this series gives the management one final opportunity to clear their doubts about which players to select and which players to remove.
Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah will come back into the side after a short break, and will be raring to go. While Kohli will first and foremost be looking to win the series, India can still try out a few options for the World Cup.
So let's look at 4 major things to look forward to in the India vs Australia series 2019.
#1 The experience of Umesh Yadav or the youth of Khaleel Ahmed?
Mohammed Shami has probably sealed his spot as the third seamer in the squad after the way he bowled Down Under. But since the World Cup is in England, the selectors might look at a fourth seamer option as well.
India have been keenly interested in Khaleel Ahmed because of his left-handed variety. However, that cannot be the only criteria for selecting a player for a major tournament.
Khaleel is still raw, and without any significant first-class or IPL experience, he was exposed to international cricket straight away. He has been given ample opportunities, but his performances have shown that he is still a work in progress.
Instead, India can turn to a more experienced option in Umesh Yadav. He was dropped after the Windies series last year, but he gained his rhythm in last year's IPL where he swung the new ball at pace.
However, it's his death bowling which is a concern. If Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Bumrah take care of the death overs, Umesh can be a handy option for India in the World Cup. But it remains to be seen whether he gets picked in the squad for the Australia series.