India vs Australia 2019: 3 Indian players for whom the ODI series is very crucial
Only a month ago, India had created history down-under against Australia by winning both the Test and ODI series. Now, the Aussies are in Indian soil as both teams are looking to lock their final squad for the ICC World Cup 2019. Though the Aussies have one more ODI series against Pakistan in UAE, the upcoming 5-match series will be the final series for the Indian team to finalize their WC squad.
Before the ODI series, both teams squared-off against each other in a 2-match T20I series. The visitors surprised the home team by clinching the T20I series 2-0. Maxwell’s sublime form ensured a clean sweep for the visitors. However, the Indian team will be vying for revenge in the ODI series.
Moreover, this series will be significant for a few players in both teams as they can strengthen their chance of making the World Cup squad. Among them, let us look at three Indian players for whom the upcoming ODI series is very crucial.
#3 Ravindra Jadeja
Ever since the humiliating defeat at the hands of Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final, the limited-overs careers of India’s two frontline spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin & Ravindra Jadeja, have been severely jolted.
Unlike Ashwin, Jadeja is fortunate enough as he is still in the scheme of India’s 2019 WC plan. After an injury to Hardik Pandya during the Asia Cup 2018, Jadeja received a surprise recall to India’s ODI squad. He made an impressive comeback in the Asia Cup by picking up seven wickets from four matches with an economy rate of 4.46.
Since then, Jadeja once again became a permanent member in India’s ODI squad. However, with the return of Hardik Pandya in the New Zealand tour, Jadeja warmed the bench in that entire ODI series. With Hardik ruled out of the forthcoming ODI series against Australia, Jadeja has a high chance of finding a place in the playing XI.
A decent all-round showing in the upcoming ODI series will strengthen his case for the 2019 WC squad. With the pitches in England expected to support the slow bowlers at the latter stages of the World Cup, Jadeja can play a crucial role with the ball in the World Cup.