Powerplay run rates since CT 2017

England Australia South Africa Sri Lanka India New Zealand West Indies Bangladesh Pakistan Afghanistan

veteran, Peter Siddle. Both have enjoyed good starts to their Big Bash League campaigns.

Siddle’s inclusion has raised a few eyebrows. The Victorian has not played an ODI since 2010, and has always been more effective with the red ball. It’s unlikely he will play, but his presence is not a ringing endorsement of some of the younger seamers to miss out. India, besides the fresh Bhuvneshwar Kumar ’s threat at the start of the innings, also boast two of the finest wrist-spinners in the 50-over format in Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Australia’s spin bowling is their weaker suit. Left-arm Ashton Agar appears the first choice spinner, featuring in all five matches against England last

year, but he was left out in favour of leg-spinner Adam Zampa when South Africa toured before Christmas. Nathan Lyon is in the squad while the part-time off-spin of Glenn Maxwell can be handy.

History suggests the SCG pitch will turn – it has offered 2.5° turn to spinners in the last five years of ODI cricket. So, two spinners is an option worth considering. India go into the series with a settled side, clear game plan and some of the best exponents of their craft. They are favourites against a team that has lost 18 of its last 23 ODIS.