One Day International series – Nothing separates Australia and India in first match of tour

Cricket Betting Odds:
Australia vs. India
Sunday, October 24, 10pm
India –115
Australia –115

Looks can be deceiving when it comes to the Reliance Stadium pitch in Vadodara.

Just ask MS Dhoni who, after winning the toss in the last match against Australia and electing to bat, watched his batsmen capitulate for just 148 in under 40 overs.

The thing was, the pitch looked a cracker, hardly any grass, a supposed batsmen’s paradise yet the Indians failed to negotiate Australia’s pace attack who snared eight of the 10 wickets.

Australia’s contender for the Next Top Model, Mitchell Johnson, was at his menacing best taking 5/26 dismissing the entire middle order that included India’s greatest hopes in Yuvraj Singh (1), Robin Uthappa (5), MS Dhoni (4) and Irfan Pathan (26).

Brett Lee chimed in for two wickets including the big scalp of Sachin Tendulkar (47).

Australia’s top order took just 25 overs for the loss of just one wicket to chase down the runs proving that the pitch was in fact a belter, late in the day however.

India, realising they needed to pull something magical out of the bag actually opened with Harbhajan Singh, his off spin while economical failed to dent the likes of Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting.

Now without the services of Gilchrist and Hayden, Australia will look to their new wicket keeper batsman Tim Paine and possibly even Shaun Marsh, who returns to the side.

In late breaking news however is the revelation that Johnson wants to open the batting – and who could blame him.

With a Test century under his belt and after smashing 73 from 47 against the West Indies in the Champions Trophy, he could certainly be used as a pinch hitter at the top of the order if not as an opener.

I am sure Australia will follow their common sense in picking a recognised batsman, and then he has to dislodge Shane Watson – highly unlikely proposition it must be said considering his current form.

Watson ended the Champions Trophy with back-to-back centuries in high pressure situations in the semi final and final so Johnson may have to wait for his chance at the top.

India will desperately need their top order to fire if they are to be competitive and this first match will set the tone for the rest of the series.

An early loss to India will knock their confidence around, something that is in short supply at times in the Indian team.