IND vs AUS 1st ODI Perth's Optus Stadium Pitch Report: Rain could delay toss. (PTI Photo)IND vs AUS 1st ODI Perth’s Optus Stadium Pitch Report: India begin a new era in ODI cricket with Shubman Gill set to lead the side for the first time in the format when they face Australia in the first of the three-match series in Perth on Sunday. Gill had taken over as India’s Test cricket before a similarly big away series and ended up leading the side with distinction. India drew an epic five-Test series in England and Gill scored over 750 runs in his very first series as captain. He will now be hoping to get off to a similar start as ODI captain against Australia.
His predecessor Rohit Sharma will be in the squad this time though, unlike what was the case in the Test series in England. As will be Virat Kohli, under whom Gill had made his international debut. Kohli and Rohit had both retired from Test cricket in the days leading up to the England series and from T20Is after powering India to the T20 World Cup title last year. However, they are still active in ODIs and while this series marks their return to international cricket, it could also prove to be the place where it will be decided whether the two greats can still continue playing at the highest level or not, now that they are only playing the format that is played the least in international cricket.
Check Perth Stadium pitch report and the city’s weather forecast ahead of the match
Australia have never won an ODI at the Perth Stadium, although it has to be noted that only three matches of this format have been played in the past. The most recent of those was in November last year between Australia and Pakistan. Australia were blown away in that match for just 140 runs with Pakistan’s fast bowlers running riot and the visitors won match by eight wickets. Before that, Australia were bundled out for 152, this time South Africa’s pacers led by Dale Steyn picking them apart. The first ODI to be played here was a closer affair, which England won by 12 runs. This is the first game to be played on this ground this season overall and generally, lower scores are expected in matches played here.
An important thing to consider is that there is a very strong chance of rains playing a role. It could either interrupt in the early stages of the match or make an appearance before the game starts. According to Accuweather, rain is expected on Sunday morning with a 70 per cent chances of precipitation ahead of the 11:30 AM (Australian time) start. The rain chances further increase by 35 per cent as the game progresses, thus possibly forcing multiple interruptions. A delayed toss and start to the game could be possible.
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