India and Australia clash on this Sunday is going to be a must watch game in the world cup. Virat Kohli’s men are looking desperate this time to leave a mark against the five-time champions. India, on one hand, started off their World Cup 2019 campaign on a high note, registering a convincing win over the Proteas in Southampton. The men yellow on the other hand were terrorized by the Windies pace attack at Trent Bridge as their top order was destroyed by the shot balls. Though they pulled it off the game in the later course of the match, there are lot more things to worry about when they step against the Indian pace attack this Sunday.
Ricky Ponting on India bringing in 3rd seemer
For the upcoming clash, India would look over having an extra fast bowler against the Aussies to give their bowling attack more teeth, feels former Australian captain and current assistant coach Ricky Ponting. India might sacrifice one of their two frontline spinners to accommodate a paceman at the Oval.
The Windies pace attack gave goosebumps to Australia’s top order at Trent Bridge, reducing them to 38-4 in the eighth over, with Oshane Thomas hitting Usman Khawaja on the helmet in an illustration of the top order’s obvious discomfort. It was Steve Smith and Nathan Coulter-Nile who to helped Australia build a respectable score on the board, though the side pulled the game off in a scrappy win.
“(Jasprit) Bumrah we know is a very good new ball bowler and I’m sure he’ll mix it up and bowl some short stuff and some full stuff,” Ponting told referring to the currently top-ranked ODI bowler.
“Bhuvneshwar will probably not worry you too much with his pace or his bouncers. Hardik (Pandya) can maybe rush you a little bit, so maybe they have a decision to make on the overall makeup of their side.”
A three-time World Cup winner, Ponting said he would discuss the matter with Khawaja and Glenn Maxwell, who responded to one short delivery with an unusual attempt to pull the ball, only to lose his wicket.
“It’s just a little bit of a blip on the radar that we’ll have a chat about and make sure we’re prepared for the next game,” he concluded.
Sachin’s warning to team India
On the other hand, Sachin Tendulkar advised Team India not to get carried away with the victory over South Africa as they are going to face a ‘tough’ Australian side on Sunday.
“All the confidence you have gained from this game (vs South Africa), pack that in your kit back and get to your next game. Australians are going to be a tough team to handle because of the combination and confidence they have at the moment,” Sachin warned the team.
“Australia at The Oval, it’s going to be a good game. The pitch has slightly spongy bounce and I think Australians are more used to that. Oval is one pitch where I feel there is a little bit of extra bounce which might favor Australia slightly,” added Sachin.
Having confidence in his side, Sachin said, “I feel Team India have the ammunition to go out and do what is required. The Australian attack is a good attack but Indian team is geared to play that attack. We have done well in the past against that bowling attack. Guys will be ready to face them.”
The key players to watch out for the upcoming game are Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, and Steve Smith.
