India vs Australia ICC CWC, 2023, Full Score Card

SIX! DONE AND DUSTED! KL Rahul finishes things off in style! Pat Cummins serves this full and around off, KL Rahul goes inside out and times his chip shot so well that it sails over the deep extra cover fence for a biggie. He wanted to hit a boundary to have a shot at his hundred but remains unbeaten on 97. INDIA WIN BY 6 WICKETS!

Back of a length and on middle, KL Rahul stabs it straight to short covers.

Short again, on middle, KL Rahul forces it towards long on for one. India one big hit away from the win now!

Quicker, short and on off, KL Rahul bunts it towards short covers.

Short and around off, Hardik Pandya punches it through covers for a single.

Fires in a low full toss, on middle, KL Rahul drills it down the pitch where Glenn Maxwell manages to get a hand as the ball parries towards long off. They cross.

FOUR! A boundary now! This is floated, full and on off, KL Rahul stays in his crease and smears it towards the long off fence for four more runs.

SIX! There comes the big hit from KL Rahul now! Glenn Maxwell tosses it up, full and outside off, KL Rahul puts the dancing shoes on and swings through the line. Thumps it well over long off for a maximum.

Powerplay 3! Australia can now have 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the end of the innings.

Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Hardik Pandya keeps it out to the off side. India need just 18 runs now in the last ten overs.

SIX! BANG! Hardik Pandya looks in a hurry now Josh Hazlewood bowls this full and around off, Hardik Pandya skips down the track and smashes it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Pitched up and on off, KL Rahul punches it towards sweeper covers for one.

Josh Hazlewood bangs in a bouncer, but too high and around leg as well, KL Rahul looks to hook but misses. It is called a wide.

Full and on middle, Hardik Pandya pushes it towards mid off for a run, the fielder hits the stumps at the bowler's end and deflects away but no harm done.

Short of a length this time, on off, Hardik Pandya dabs it towards point.

Back of a length and on off, KL Rahul punches it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Darts this one full as well, on leg, KL Rahul drills it towards long on for one more.

Quicker, full and on middle, Hardik Pandya eases it towards long on for one.

Flighted, full and on off, KL Rahul taps it wide of short covers for a run.

Sbort and on middle, KL Rahul pats it towards short mid-wicket.

Flatter, full and on middle, KL Rahul knocks it to the right of the bowler where Glenn Maxwell dives to stop it well.

Tossed up, full and on off, Hardik Pandya drives it towards long off for a single.

Back of a length and on off, KL Rahul keeps it out to the off side.

Short of a length and on middle, Hardik Pandya controls his pull towards deep square leg for a single and gets of the mark.

Hardik Pandya is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood finally gets the breakthrough for Australia! However, it seems too little too late now. Hazlewood bangs this one onto the pitch and around middle, Virat Kohli goes for the pull shot but the ball does not bounce to the height he expected and hits it straight into the hands of Marnus Labuschagne at short mid-wicket who makes no mistake. Kohli walks back to a huge applause from the crowd as India lose their fourth wicket.

A slower one now, full and around off, Virat Kohli looks to drill it away but misses it completely.

On a length and on off, Virat Kohli pats it down towards point.

Fuller one and on middle, Virat Kohli tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

A full toss now, on middle, Virat Kohli thrashes it towards long on for one more.

Fires in a yorker now, on middle, KL Rahul jams it out towards long on for one.

Flatter, short and on middle, KL Rahul uses his feet and knocks it to the left of the bowler where Adam Zampa dives to that side to stop it.

Floated, full and on middle, Virat Kohli drills it towards long on for a single.

Short and on middle, Virat Kohli pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Tossed up, full and on off, KL Rahul goes inside out and lofts it wide of deep point where Cameron Green runs to his left and gets there but lets it through and has to put a dive in to push it back inside. The batters run three.

Halt! KL Rahul is struggling with cramps and out comes the physio with an energy bar. In the meantime, the ball has also been changed. All good to resume now.

Overpitched and on middle, KL Rahul drills it wide of mid no for one.

FOUR! Good shot! Josh Hazlewood goes a bit fuller and on middle, KL Rahul presents the full face of the bat and smacks it uppishly but wide of the bowler and David Warner at mid on fails to stop it as well and the ball races to the fence for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood bangs this short and on middle, KL Rahul pulls it with not great timing but it goes well over mid-wicket and he comes back for the second run as well.

Pitched up once more, on middle, angling in, KL Rahul pushes it to short covers again.

Full again around off, KL Rahul droves it straight to short covers.

Full and on middle, Virat Kohli clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single. That brings up the 150-run partnership between these two batters.

Looped up, full and around off, Virat Kohli steers it towards point for one.

An appeal for LBW, but turned down! This flighted, full and on middle, turns away a bit, Virat Kohli lunges forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Pat Cummins decides against the reveiw.

Quicker, short and on middle, KL Rahul punches it down the ground where Adam Zampa goes down but only manages to parry it towards long off. They cross.

Floated, full and on middle, Virat Kohli drives it towards long off for another run.

Tossed up, full and on off, KL Rahul prods forward and taps it wide of short covers for a quick run.

Short and outside off, Virat Kohli moves back and cuts it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Pulls his length back now, on leg, Virat Kohli nudges it through square leg for one.

FOUR! Typical Virat Kohli response! Mitchell Starc serves this full and around off, Virat Kohli opens the face a bit and carves it through point for a boundary.

Halt! Virat Kohli has taken a blow on his helmet and the mandatory concussion assessment will follow now. The check is complete and we are all good to go now.

Wow..some heat from Starc! He bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, quick too, Virat Kohli looks to pull it away but misses due to the pace and gets hit on the helmet. Starc asks him if he is fine and gets a thumbs up.

Back of a length and around off, Virat Kohli stabs it straight to point.

On a length and around off, KL Rahul dabs it wide of point for a run.

Fuller one and on off, angling in, Virat Kohli strides forward and pushes it towards covers for a single.

Gives this one some air again, on off, Virat Kohli drives it through covers for one more.

Flighted, full and around off, KL Rahul uses his feet and drills it towards sweeper covers for one.

Flatter, full and on middle, turns away a bit, KL Rahul stays back to tap it towards short covers.

Goes short again, on off, Virat Kohli moves back and forces it towards long on for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, turns away, Virat Kohli strides forward and steers it towards short third man.

FOUR! Virat Kohli finds the fence now! Adam Zampa drags his length back, outside off, Virat Kohli moves on his back foot and slaps it away through extra covers for a boundary.

Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, KL Rahul works it towards short mid-wicket.

Overpitched and on middle, KL Rahul pushes it towards short covers.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Mitchell Starc pitches it up and around off, KL Rahul leans on to his drive nicely and creams it through extra covers for a boundary.

On a length and around off, Virat Kohli guides it towards third man for a single.

Good bowling from Starc! He lands this on a hard length and on off, shapes away a shy bit, Virat Kohli goes to drive on the up but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Full again but down the leg side now, Virat Kohli misses his glance. Wided.

Fuller and around off, Virat Kohli crunches it wide of sweeper covers for a couple for runs.

Mitchell Starc (6-0-16-1) has been brought back into the attack.

Floated, full and on middle, KL Rahul tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Another short delivery, on middle, KL Rahul stays back and pushes it back to the bowler.

Halt! The ball needs to be changed as it has lost its original colour and is starting to camouflage with the colour of the surface. The selection has been done from the box of the balls and we are all good to go now.

Flatter, full and around leg, Virat Kohli clips it towards fine leg for one.

Quicker, short and around off, KL Rahul chops it down wide of short third man for another run.

Short again and outside off, Virat Kohli moves back and cuts it through cover-point for a run.

Short and around off, KL Rahul punches it through covers for a single.

Drinks! Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have kept their calm in this chase and put India in control of the game now. They just need to continue doing this and they are in a position where they can think about finishing the game a bit early to help the NRR. Australia though are not completely out of the game but they will need to pick up a few wickets in quick succession to make a game out of this again.  Glenn Maxwell to continue after the break.

Dishes out on a hard length, on off and middle, Virat Kohli is happy to block this one out safely.

Closer to the off stump now, on a good length, Virat Kohli eases it in front of point. Sets off for a single but gets sent back by KL Rahul and rightfully so.

Delivers it on a good length, on off, Virat Kohli gets behind the line and taps it from the crease.

Fractionally short, outside off, KL Rahul cuts it late and along the ground to third man for a run.

Fuller in length, on off, KL Rahul drives it firmly but straight to extra cover.

Beaten! Pat Cummins bowls it on a hard length, outside off, KL Rahul has a waft away from the body. The ball rears off the surface and goes over the angled bat.

Tossed up this time, on off, Virat Kohli drives it down the wicket but is unable to get it past Glenn Maxwell.

Goes full and on midde, KL Rahul drives it to the right of Maxwell and takes a single.

Slows it up nicely, full and on off, KL Rahul leans and goes for an expansive drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

A half-tracker, down leg, Virat Kohli swivels and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a run.

Slower and fuller, on middle, KL Rahul lunges forward and knocks it down to long on for a run.

Short and at the stumps, pushed back by KL Rahul and Glenn Maxwell makes a good stop to his right.

Hurls it on a good length, outside off, KL Rahul uses his feet and goes for the drive. Inside edges it towards deep backward square leg for a run.

Length delivery, on off, Virat Kohli walks across and drives it to deep cover for a single.

FOUR! Virat Kohli does not miss out on the Free Hit! Slower bouncer, on middle, Virat Kohli waits for the ball to arrive and hammers the pull over mid-wicket for a boundary.

WIDE! Slower bouncer, down leg, Virat Kohli shapes to hook it away but misses and the Free Hit will continue as it is a wide.

NO BALL! Whoa, what happened there? Pat Cummins loses the grip in an attempt to go for a slower delivery. Sprays a full toss off the surface. The umpire signals a No Ball and a Free Hit will follow now.

Bye! Short and a bit wide outside off, KL Rahul shapes to dab it on the off side. The ball keeps low and Alex Carey fumbles, allowing the batters to sneak in a run.

Length delivery, outside off, Virat Kohli tries to drive it on the up. Gets an inside edge that sneaks just past the stumps and the batters cross for a single.

FIFTY for KL Rahul now! India's man of crisis has risen to the occasion in Chennai! He has been solid as ever and provided good support to Kohli. Fullish in length, outside off, KL Rahul drives it square to deep point and takes a single. Gets a congratulatory hug from Kohli and acknowledges the support from the crowd.

Another fullish delivery, sliding on the pads, Virat Kohli flicks it with fast hands behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs more.

Full and drifting down leg, Virat Kohli helps it straight to short fine leg.

Flatter and shorter, at the stumps, KL Rahul punches it down to long. Moves to 49 with this single.

Flighted again, full and on off, KL Rahul works it back to Zampa.

Looped up, full and around off, Virat Kohli drills it along the ground to deep cover. 100-run stand comes up between these two with a single.

Short and outside off, KL Rahul rocks back and cuts it hard to deep cover for a single.

Beaten! A loose shot by Kohli! Offers width outside off, on a length, Virat Kohli goes for the drive away from the body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a good length, outside off, Virat Kohli looks to drive it on the up but miscues it back to the bowler.

Slanting in, on a length, Virat Kohli blocks it out with a straight bat.

FIFTY for Virat Kohli! Cometh the hour, cometh the man! The chase master has once again shown his class. A well-directed bumper, at the batter, Virat Kohli rides on top of the bounce and controls the pull towards deep backward square leg. Cameron Green spints and slides to his right and saves a couple of runs. The crowd are on up their feet on applaud Kohli as he raises his bat.

This is bowled on a hard length, around off, KL Rahul plays it late and runs it down to third man for a single.

Starts off with a slower delivery, fullish in length, on off, KL Rahul drives it straight to mid on.

Serves another yorker again, on middle and leg, Virat Kohli digs it out on the leg side without much fuss.

On a yorker length, on off, Virat Kohli squeezes it out but straight to extra cover.

Floated up, on middle, Virat Kohli uses his feet and brings his wrists into play. Flicks it past the diving David Warner at mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Shortens his length again, on off, KL Rahul gives himself room and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Loops it up, full and outside off, Virat Kohli frees his arms and drills it down to long off for a run.

Drops it short, turning away, on off, KL Rahul chops it past the keeper and takes a single.

Cramps the batter for room with back-of-a-length delivery, KL Rahul tucks it off his hips to fine leg for another single.

Angling in, on a length, on off and middle, the ball straightens a bit, KL Rahul keeps it out on the off side.

Pacy delivery, skidding on, on a length, on off, KL Rahul is up to the task as he drives it firmly back to the bowler.

A bumper, just outside off, Virat Kohli rolls his wrists and pulls it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a single.

At 133.1 kph, back of a length, on off, Virat Kohli stands tall and pats it on the bounce towards point.

Closer to the off stump, on a length, Virat Kohli opens the face of the bat slightly and guides it to point.

Slower through the air, sliding in on the pads, KL Rahul gets forward to defend. The ball skids on and Rahul gets an inside edge towards short fine leg.

Full this time, on middle, Virat Kohli gets to the pitch of the ball and knocks it down to long on for one more run.

A drag down by Zampa, on middle, KL Rahul goes on the back foot and pulls it hard to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Floated up, on middle, KL Rahul pushes it off the inner half of the bat to the right of the bowler.

Drags his length back a bit, on middle, KL Rahul reaches out in front and works it in front of cover. Rahul wants a single but gets sent back by Virat Kohli and rightfully so.

Tosses it up, full and on middle and leg, Virat Kohli lunges forward and places it wide of backward square leg for a single.

Around off, on a hard length, Virat Kohli allows the ball to come to him and uses the pace to dab it down to third man. Keeps the strike with a single. The two batters are doing a good job of rotating the strike.

Switches to back of a length, on middle, KL Rahul gets on his toes and tucks it in front of square for one more run.

Lands it full, outside off, Virat Kohli plants his foot forward and extends his arms to drive it through covers for a single.

Serves it at the batter, on a good length, a bit of reverse swing, Virat Kohli stays back and blocks it with a straight bat.

Back of a length, around off, KL Rahul opens the face of his bat and runs it down to third man for one more run.

Starts off on a hard length, on middle and leg, Virat Kohli uses his feet and moves to the off side. Nudges it square leg and takes a single.

Starc bowls it from wide of the crease, full and at the stumps, KL Rahul gets behind the line and dead bats it down the wicket.

Honing in, just outside off, on a length, KL Rahul crouches and steers it along the ground to point.

Full this time, on off again, KL Rahul caresses the ball off the front foot to extra cover.

At 135.9 kph, slanting in, on a back of a length, on off, KL Rahul tries to dab this one on the off side. The ball does not rise that much and Rahul toe-ends it back to the bowler.

Into the wicket now, around leg, Virat Kohli hops and swivels in the crease. Controls the pull to fine leg and picks up a single.

Comes from 'round the wicket and angles it in, full and outside off, KL Rahul lunges forward and times the drive wide of extra cover for a single.

A googly now, on middle, turning in, KL Rahul eases it towards long on for one more.

Short again, on leg, Virat Kohli moves back and clips it towards square leg for one.

Goes short now, on off, KL Rahul punches it towards long off for another run.

Floated, full and on off, Virat Kohli drives it through covers for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, KL Rahul taps it in front of cover-point and calls for the run but is sent back, Marnus Labuschagne attacks the ball a bit too quickly and fails to collect and lets it through. Now, the batters get across for the single.

Short and outside off, KL Rahul stays moves back and cuts it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

Pitched up, on off, KL Rahul knocks it through covers for one.

Short of a length and on middle, angles in and skids through as well, KL Rahul is very late into is pull shot as the ball goes under his bat to the keeper.

This is on a good length and on middle, angling in, KL Rahul looks to block it but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side.

Touch fuller and around off, Virat Kohli pushes it through covers for another run.

Back of a length and outside off, KL Rahul cuts it towards wide of third man for a run.

Fuller one and on middle, angling in, Virat Kohli clips it through backward square leg for as single.

FOUR! A gift from Zampa now! He serves a juicy full toss, on off, KL Rahul leans on to his drive and creams it through extra covers for four more runs. 13 runs off the over then!

FOUR! Deft touch! Adam Zampa bowls the googly now, short and on off, turning in, KL Rahul once again waits for it and opens the face of his bat at the last moment to steer it past short third man for another boundary.

Tossed up, full and on off, KL Rahul taps it towards point.

FOUR! Delicately played! This is flatter, full and around off, KL Rahul moves to the leg side and cuts it very late from the stumps towards the vacant third man fence for a boundary.

Slower through the air, on off, turning away, KL Rahul goes through his push early and gets an outside edge on the bounce towards point.

Adam Zampa begins with a flatter delivery, full and on off, Virat Kohli uses his feet and drives it towards long off for a single.

Adam Zampa comes on to bowl, replacing Glenn Maxwell.

A slower one now, full and on middle, Virat Kohli knocks it towards mid on for one.

Mitchell Starc bangs in a bouncer now around 140 clicks, on middle, Virat Kohli sways away from it.

Short of a length and on off, KL Rahul runs it down to third man for another run.

Back of a length and on leg, Virat Kohli clips it towards square leg for a run and looks for the second but the mid-wicket fielder quickly moves there to mop it up and keeps it to just one.

Full again and around off, KL Rahul drives it towards sweeper covers for a single.

On a length and on off, KL Rahul taps it towards point.

Short again, on leg again, Virat Kohli clips it straight to square leg.

Shorter in length and around leg, KL Rahul nudges it through square leg for one and brings up the 50-run partnership as well.

Floated, full and on middle, KL Rahul drills it wide of the bowler where Glenn Maxwell dives to his right to make a good stop.

Fires this one full and on middle, KL Rahul tries to flick it away but hits his boots as the ball rolls down the pitch.

Short again and outside off, KL Rahul this time connects with his cut shot wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

Flatter, short and around off, KL Rahul moves back to cut it away but misses it.

Drinks break! Wow, an eventful first 15 overs of the Indian run chase! After losing three wickets for just two runs, India are currently in a rebuilding phase with Virat Kohli looking the more comfortable of the two batters.Australia could not have asked for a better start but the drop of Virat Kohli by Mitchell Marsh might still be playing on the back of their minds. That said, the pitch has still enough demons to keep the Aussies interested. An exciting phase of the game coming up.

FOUR! Two in two! Virat Kohli getting into his groove now! This is pitched up again and on middle, angling in, Virat Kohli uses his wrists again and whips it past mid-wicket for another boundary.

FOUR! Fine shot! Cameron Green serves this one full and on middle, Virat Kohli uses his wrists well and times his flick well wide of mid on for a boundary.

Short of a length and on off, Virat Kohli dabs it wide of backward point.

Pitched up and on off, Virat Kohli blocks it down the pitch.

BEATEN! Cameron Green lands this on a hard length and around off, shaping away and gets some extra bounce again, Virat Kohli looks to push it away but misses and it goes past the outside edge.

Fuller one and on middle, Virat Kohli tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Floated, full and on middle, Virat Kohli flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Quicker one, short and on off, KL Rahul punches it through covers for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, KL Rahul knocks it towards the bowler.

Flatter, short and on middle, Virat Kohli moves back and tries to heave it away but gets an inside edge towards fine leg for a single.

Short again, on middle, Virat Kohli tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Short and around leg, Virat Kohli clips it towards square leg.

BEATEN! Cameron Green lands this on a hard length and around middle, takes off from the surface, KL Rahul gets surprised by it and drops his hands at the last moment as the ball goes past the outside edge.

This is on a good length and on off, keeps a bit low, KL Rahul fails to get his bat down in time and misses it.

Back of a length and on middle, KL Rahul miscues his pull shot wide of mid-wicket and sets off for the run but is sent back and rightly so.

Short of a length and around off, Virat Kohli waits for it and runs it down to third man for another run.

On a length and on middle, shaping in, KL Rahul hops up and pushes it through covers for a run.

Cameron Green starts with a short delivery, on middle, Virat Kohli controls his pull towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Flighted, full and on middle KL Rahul turns it towards short mid-wicket.

Floated, full and on leg, Virat Kohli clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Short again and on middle, KL Rahul punches it past the dive of Maxwell towards long on for a single.

Flatter, short and on middle, turns in, KL Rahul moves back but gets cramped as he steers it towards short third man again.

Tossed up, full and on off, KL Rahul strides forward and guides it towards short third man.

Quicker, short and on middle, KL Rahul stays back and tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Goes fuller again, on middle, KL Rahul flicks it through square leg for one.

Short of a length and around off, KL Rahul bunts it down towards point.

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Pat Cummins serves this a bit fuller and around off, KL Rahul gets his head on top of the ball and just gently pushes at it from the middle of the bat as the ball races past covers for a boundary.

Back of a length and on off again, KL Rahul steers it straight to point.

Length again, on off, Virat Kohli opens the face of the bat and guides it towards third man ofr a single.

On a length and around off, Virat Kohli dabs it towards point.

Powerplay 2! Australia can now have up to 4 players outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.

Offers flight again, full and on off, KL Rahul blocks it out off the front foot.

Tosses it up, full and on off, KL Rahul prods forward and guides it towards point.

Pushed through, short and on off, KL Rahul pats it off the back foot back to the bowler.

Full again, at the stumps, Virat Kohli strokes it towards mid on and takes a single.

Fuller this time, on off, Virat Kohli works it to the left of the bowler.

Starts off with a flatter delivery, short and on off, Virat Kohli punches it back to Maxwell.

We will see spin for the first time as Glenn Maxwell comes into the attack now.

Just outside off, on a length, Virat Kohli walks across and nudges it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Bangs in a sharp bumper, on off, Virat Kohli sways away and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

Drop and run! On a good length, outside off, KL Rahul taps it with soft hands at his feet and calls Virat Kohli for a quick single.

Angling into the batter, on a length, Virat Kohli knocks it in front of mid on and rotates the strike.

Shortish this time, around off, KL Rahul dabs it on the bounce towards first slip. Cameron Green fumbles and concedes a single.

On the off stump line, on a length, Virat Kohli pushes away from the body. Gets an inside edge that rolls onto his feet and the batters scamper across for a single.

Fuller again, on off, KL Rahul stabs it off the front foot towards cover.

PItches it up again, outside off, Virat Kohli goes for the drive. Outside edges it along the ground to third man for a single.

Serves it full and on the pads, Virat Kohli clips it sweetly but straight to mid-wicket.

DROPPED! A huge let-off for Virat Kohli! Mitchell Marsh is the culprit and he cannot quite believe it. Josh Hazlewood bangs it in short, on middle, Virat Kohli hangs back in his crease to pull. The ball skids on and hurries Kohli in the shot. Splices it in air towards short square leg and Alex Carey and Mitchell Marsh go after the ball. There is a bit of confusion among the two of which Marsh slides forward from short mid-wicket but fails to hang on. The replays show that the ball went through his hands and hit him on the thigh. A massive moment in the game.

Shortish delivery now, on off, Virat Kohli is back and across and steers it towards Steven Smith at backward point.

Serves it in the channel on off, on a good length, Virat Kohli presents the full face of the bat and pats it towards mid off.

Keeps it back of a length, on off, KL Rahul gets on top of the bounce and punches it along the ground to cover. A quiet first over by Pat Cummins.

Closer to the off stump line, on a length, KL Rahul plays it under his eyes and drops it in front of point.

Short of a length, around off, KL Rahul punches it off the back foot but is unable to get it past sliding David Warner at covers.

This time on a good length, outside off, Virat Kohli walks across in the crease and eases it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Shortish delivery, tailing in, on off, KL Rahul gets cramped for room but still manages to guide it down to third man for a single.

Starts on a hard length, on middle, KL Rahul stays back in his crease and defends it with a straight bat.

Much straighter this time, on a length, on middle, Virat Kohli accounts for the inward movement and helps it down to fine leg. Mitchell Starc sprints and slides to his right to keep it to two.

FOUR! Shot of authority! Josh Hazlewood goes slightly full, outside off, Virat Kohli uses his feet and converts it into a half-volley. Drives it hard and to the right of mid off for a boundary.

Beaten! Good-length delivery, outside off, a hint of extra bounce, Virat Kohli tries to take on Hazlewood and goes for a drive away from the body. Gets beaten by the bounce on this occasion.

Goes fuller and on off, Virat Kohli defends it on the front foot.

Length again, on off, angling in and keeps low too, Virat Kohli adjusts well and keeps it out.

On a length and around off, Virat Kohli gets behind the line of it and blocks it out to the off side.

Honing in on the off stump line, touch fuller, KL Rahul prods forward and blocks it out solidly.

Keeps it full and around off, Virat Kohli gets on the front foot and drives it to the right of mid off for a quick single.

Full and angled across, outside off, Virat Kohli lunges forward to drive it down the ground. Miscues it towards mid on for a dot.

Pulls his length back and bowls it on off, Virat Kohli camps back and punches it sweetly but straight to point.

WIDE! Mitchell Starc tries to angle it across but bowls it beyond the tramline on off, on a length, Virat Kohli lets it go for a wide.

Angling in this time, on a good length, on middle, Virat Kohli shuffles and tucks it towards mid-wicket.

Hurls it on a good length, just on the off stump line, Virat Kohli dabs it with soft hands in front of point.

FOUR! KL Rahul is off the mark in style! Josh Hazlewood serves it a bit too full, outside off, KL Rahul leans and times the drive. Pierces the infield on the off side and picks up his first boundary.

Delivers it full this time, on off, Virat Kohli lunges forward and works it in front of mid on. Calls his partner through for a quick single.

Good-length delivery, shaping away, outside off, Virat Kohli lifts his arms and lets the ball pass.

Much better by Kohli! Closer to the off stump, fuller in length, Virat Kohli gets behind the line and defends it right under his eyes.

Beaten! Lands it on a good length, outside off, Virat Kohli has a poke away from the body. The ball straightens after pitching and beats Kohli on the outside edge.

At 136.8 kph, back of a length, on middle, Virat Kohli shapes to defend. The ball nips back in and hits him high on the thigh pad.

A bit too full, swinging in, around off, KL Rahul covers his off stump and lets the ball go through to the keeper. Another probing over by Mitchell Starc.

Another full delivery, on off, Virat Kohli pushes down the ground with soft hands and takes a single in front of mid off.

Almost another wicket! Mitchell Starc gets this one to angle away, on a length, wide outside off, Virat Kohli goes chasing after the delivery and is lucky not to edge this one behind.

Back of a length and just outside off, Virat Kohli lets it go to the keeper.

Full again, on middle, swinging in as well, Virat Kohli blocks it onto his boots as the ball rolls towards short covers.

Virat Kohli is away! Full and swinging in, on the pads, Virat Kohli brings his wrists into play and clips it through backward square leg. Opens his account with a couple of runs.

KL Rahul is the next man in with India in huge trouble.

OUT! TAKEN! Two in the over for Josh Hazlewood! A loose shot by Shreyas Iyer and the Chennai crowd are in disbelief. Offers a bit of width outside off, on a good length, Shreyas Iyer stands tall and tries to drive it on the up. Fails to keep the ball along the ground and chips it tamely to cover. David Warner leaps a bit and completes the catch at head height. Another poor shot by an Indian batter and Australia are well on top.

Pulls his length back and bowls it on off, Shreyas Iyer camps back and pushes it with soft hands towards point.

Bowls it slightly fuller, on off, Shreyas Iyer gets behind the line and stabs it towards point.

Shreyas Iyer comes out to the middle now.

OUT! LBW! Josh Hazlewood gets into the act now and gets rid of the Indian skipper! Rohit Sharma goes now and India are in more than a spot of bother. Hazlewood serves it on a good length, on off and middle, Rohit Sharma plants his foot forward to defend. The ball jags back in after pitching and beats Rohit on the inside edge, before pinging him on the front pad. Australia go up in unison and up goes the finger. Rohit Sharma reviews immediately. The UltraEdge shows no bat and wickets is umpire's call on Ball Tracking. India keep their review but lose Rohit Sharma.

In the channel on off, on a back of a length, Rohit Sharma stays back again and dabs it with soft hands towards point.

Starts on a good length, on off, Rohit Sharma hangs back and nudges it towards mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood to share the attack.

A superb opening over by Mitchell Starc! Dishes out a full delivery, shaping in, on off and middle, Virat Kohli lunges forward and drives off the inner half towards Starc.

Serves it full and wide outside off, a hint of inswing, Virat Kohli lifts his bat and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

A roar from the crowd as Virat Kohli walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! An early success for Mitchell Starc and this is just the start Australia were after! A rash shot by Ishan Kishan and he departs for a golden duck. Starc pitches it up again, wide outside off, Ishan Kishan gets tempted by the width and throws his hands at the delivery. The ball swings away enough to catch the outside edge. Goes straight into the hands of Cameron Green at first slip who gobbles it. India lose an early wicket.

Leg bye! Full again and on the pads, Rohit Sharma gets beaten for pace again and wears it on the front pad. The ball rolls behind to the left of Alex Carey for a leg bye.

At 141.1 kph, on a yorker length, tailing in, on off, Rohit Sharma keeps it out without much fuss.

Goes full again and drifting on the pads, Rohit Sharma misses out on the clip again and gets pinged on the front pad. Mitchell Starc goes up in appeal but the ball was heading down leg.

WIDE! India are underway with a wide! Starts from over the wicket and bowls it full but swinging down leg. Rohit Sharma looks to help it away but misses. Wided.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Australia fall one short of 200 then! Mohammed Siraj cleverly pulls his length back and rolls his fingers over the ball as well, on off, Mitchell Starc tries to pull this one off the front foot but does not manage to ride on the bounce. Splices it in the air towards deep square leg where Shreyas Iyer swoops forward and completes a good running catch. Mohammed Siraj has a wicket to his name. Australia bowled out for 199!

FOUR! Mitchell Starc is taking Australia to the 200-run mark! Mohammed Siraj misses the yorker and serves it tin the slot, full in length, Mitchell Starc clears his front leg and hammers it back past the non-striker for a boundary.

In the blackhole by Siraj, on middle, Mitchell Starc drills it straight to long on and refuses the single.

Mohammed Siraj (6-1-22-0) to bowl the last over. Can he keep Australia under 200?

Another full delivery, outside off this time, Mitchell Starc eases it with soft hands in front of extra cover. Retains the strike with a single.

FOUR! Important runs these for Australia! Hardik Pandya goes a bit too straight, full and on the pads, Mitchell Starc does not miss out as helps it wide of short fine leg for a much-needed boundary.

Pulls his length back and angles it across, outside off, Mitchell Starc shapes to chop it on the off side. Bottom edges it along the ground to KL Rahul.

At 131.1 kph, fuller and outside off, Josh Hazlewood extends his arms and pushes it through covers. Gets off the mark with a single.

Josh Hazlewood is the last man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust as Hardik Pandya joins in on the fun! Bowls with seam up and pace on, fuller in length, Adam Zampa stays back and tries to go down the ground. The ball turns in his hand and he ends up hitting it flat towards mid off. Fails to hit it wide of the fielder and Virat Kohli makes absolutely no mistake. Hardik Pandya has his first wicket of the game and Australia are now nine down!

Starts with an off pace delivery, on a length, on middle, Mitchell Starc swats it without much timing to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.

Hardik Pandya to bowl the penultimate over. He has conceded 21 runs in his two overs.

Tailing in, full and at the pads, Adam Zampa gets cramped for room but still manages to clip it away to mid-wicket.

Full and angling across, outside off, Mitchell Starc sits deep in his crease and drags it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for one.

WIDE! This is bowled short again but beyond the tramline on off, left alone by Mitchell Starc for a wide.

Bangs it in short again, at the batter, Adam Zampa swivels and hooks it down to fine leg for a single. .

Length delivery again, just outside off, Adam Zampa gives himself room and tries to free his arms. Mistimes the punch to mid off for another dot.

Lands it on a length, on off, Adam Zampa stays leg side of the ball and taps it towards cover.

WIDE! Loses his radar and goes way down leg, on a length, the ball moves further away after pitching. KL Rahul dives quickly to his left and denies any extra runs.

Bowls it into the wicket, Mitchell Starc hangs back and fetches it from outside off. Mistimes the pull in front of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammed Siraj (5-1-17-0) is back on.

Searing yorker again, at the stumps, Mitchell Starc gets his bat down in time and inside edges it behind square on the leg side for a single.

WIDE! Full and sliding down leg, Mitchell Starc lets it go for a wide.

Another yorker, at the stumps, Mitchell Starc clears his front leg and jams it out to mid off.

Oh, so close! Nails the yorker, just outside off, Mitchell Starc swings through the line but gets beaten for pace. Luckily for him, the ball sneaks just past the off stump.

Takes pace off and bowls it on a length, on middle, Mitchell Starc stays beside the ball and defends it out.

SIX! Short and punished! Jasprit Bumrah goes slightly short, on middle, Mitchell Starc stands tall and latches onto the pull. Smokes it over deep square leg for a biggie.

On a hard length, on middle, Mitchell Starc hangs back to defend. The ball angles back in and catches the inside edge.

Another carrom ball, full and on middle, Adam Zampa prods forward and defends it towards extra cover.

Bowls it short, on middle, Mitchell Starc turns it through square leg and takes a single.

Tossed up, on off, Mitchell Starc pushes it towards cover for a dot.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Mitchell Starc gets down and goes for the slog sweep. Swings too early and gets hit near the waist.

Tosses it up, full and on off, Adam Zampa gets on the front foot and knocks it down to long on. Virat Kohli swoops in but misses the shy at the non-striker's end. It would not have mattered anyway as Zampa was in.

Drops it short, on off, a hint of away turn, Mitchell Starc taps it down to long off for a single.

Back of a length and on off, Adam Zampa stabs it towards short covers.

A loopy slower delivery, drops down the leg side, Adam Zampa gets into an awkward position and fails to connect. It is called a wide.

Back of a length and on middle, Mitchell Starc slaps it towards wide of long on for another run.

This is on a good length and on off, angling gin, slower too, Mitchell Starc looks to push it away but goes through his shot early and misses.

Full again and around off, Adam Zampa throws his bat at it but gets an outside edge along the ground towards third man for a run.

Full and on middle, Adam Zampa keeps it out to the off side.

On a length and on off, Mitchell Starc guides it towards third man for a single.

Some turn! This is pushed through quicker, short and on off, turns away sharply, Adam Zampa stays in his crease but gets beaten all ends up. Ravindra Jadeja finishes his spell with a maiden over!

DROPPED! Rohit Sharma should have done better there! This is slower through the air, on off, turns away a bit, Adam Zampa has a poke at it and gets an outside edge as the ball loops up of KL Rahul's pads towards first slip where Rohit Sharma leaps up and tries to catch it with his outstretched right hand but spills it out. Zampa gets a life here!

Flatter, full and on middle, Adam Zampa defends it on the front foot.

Goes short again, on off, Adam Zampa pats it down towards short covers.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Adam Zampa knocks it wide of short covers.

Short and around off, Adam Zampa steers it towards point.

In the blockhole, on middle, Adam Zampa digs it out through covers for a run.

Full again and on off, Adam Zampa taps it towards short covers.

Fullish and around leg, Adam Zampa flicks it over mid-wicket for a brace.

On a length and around off, Adam Zampa looks to play at it but misses it completely.

Adam Zampa comes out to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Jasprit Bumrah gets his second wicket now! He pitches this one up on middle, Pat Cummins backs away and tries to slog it away but fails to get under it and hits it with the bottom part of the bat as the ball goes in the air in front of long on where Shreyas Iyer runs forward and dives to take a fine catch. Australia eight down now!

Is that out? Pat Cummins has been caught at long on and it seems the umpires want to have a look. It is a fair catch and Cummins will keep walking.

On a length and on middle, Mitchell Starc looks to work it away but misses as the ball goes off his thigh pads towards square leg. The batters cross for a leg bye.

FOUR LEG BYES! Australia won't mind this! Ravindra Jadeja darts this one full and down the leg side, Pat Cummins misses his glances as the ball goes off his pads past KL Rahul to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Swing and a miss! This is flighted, full and around off, turns long way away, Pat Cummins backs away and tries to slog it but only connects with thin air.

Flatter, short and on middle, Pat Cummins pats it down towards short mid-wicket.

Quicker, full and on off, Pat Cummins pushes it to the right of shrot covers.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Pat Cummins reverse-sweeps it straight to short third man.

BEATEN! This is floated, full and around off, turns away sharply, Pat Cummins presses forward tp defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Fullish and on middle, Pat Cummins swipes it through square leg for one.

Just over! This is pitched up and on middle, Pat Cummins drags it just over short mid-wicket as Shreyas Iyer from mid on chases it and mops it up. Two runs taken.

A slower one now, on a length and around off, Pat Cummins moves across to play but gets an outside edge as the ball goes on the bounce to the keeper.

Full again and on middle too, Pat Cummins is solid in his defence again.

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Pat Cummins keeps it out towards short covers.

On a length and around off, Mitchell Starc guides it towards third man for a single.

Powerplay 3! Now, five fielders are allowed outside the circle till the last over.

EDGED AND FOUR! Kuldeep Yadav pushes it through again, full and on off, Pat Cummins pushes forward with hard hands. Gets a thin outside edge that goes past the gloves of KL Rahul and to the left of Rohit Sharma at first slip for a boundary. A good over for Australia, 11 runs came off it.

Bowls a googly, short and on off, Pat Cummins eases it off the back foot towards cover.

Edged but safe! Fired in, full and on off, Pat Cummins goes on the back foot to defend. Gets an outside edge that falls in front of Rohit Sharma at first slip.

SIX! A rare loose delivery by Kuldeep Yadav and it gets the treatment! Bowls a drag down, slower and on middle, Pat Cummins goes back and gets into a good position. Hammers the pull over deep square for the first maximum of the game.

Offers flight, full and on off, Mitchell Starc knocks it down to long off for a single.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Mitchell Starc clips it off the front foot to mid-wicket.

Short and turning in, on middle and leg, Pat Cummins nudges it to mid-wicket for a dot.

Bowls it short, on middle, Mitchell Starc tucks it off the back foot and gets it past mid-wicket for another single.

Fullish delivery, on off, Pat Cummins paddles it to fine leg for a run.

Full and sliding on, middle and leg, Mitchell Starc clips it through mid-wicket and gets across for a single.

Floated again, full and on the pads, clipped straight to mid-wicket.

Tossed up, on off, Mitchell Starc lunges forward but cannot get it past extra cover on the push.

Tossed up at the stumps, Mitchell Starc drive it uppishly but to the left of Kuldeep Yadav and collects a single.

Short this time, turning in, Pat Cummins rocks back and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Short and on off, Pat Cummins punches it off the back foot to cover.

Turning in sharply, around off, Pat Cummins rocks back to defend. The ball spins in and raps him on the pads. The impact though was outside off.

Offers flight again, googly, on off, Pat Cummins reads it well and blocks it out.

Beauty! Bowls it fraction full and turning in, outside off, Pat Cummins goes back to a full delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Bowls the carrom ball this time, short and at the stumps, Mitchell Starc works it to mid-wicket.

Another tossed up delivery, on off, Mitchell Starc gets on the front foot again and defends it down the wicket.

Tosses it up again, on off and middle, Mitchell Starc keeps it out off the front foot.

Flighted delivery, full and on off, Mitchell Starc drives it back to the bowler.

Mitchell Starc walks out to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Ravichandran Ashwin gets into the act now and the crowd are up on their feet for the local boy! Australia are falling like ninepins. Ashwin bowls this one short and quicker through the air, wide outside off, Cameron Green hangs on the back foot and goes for the cut. The ball comes onto him slightly slower and he ends up hitting it flat and straight to backward point. Hardik Pandya there, pouches it with both hands comfortably. Ravichandran Ashwin has his first wicket and Australia are now 7 down.

Floats it up, on off, Cameron Green blocks it out off the front foot.

Switches to 'round the wicket and tosses it up nicely, Pat Cummins winds up to drive but ends up pushing it back to the bowler.

Pat Cummins, the skipper of Australia is the next man in with his side in a spot of bother.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Kuldeep Yadav strikes again and this time, he removes the 'Big Show'! Glenn Maxwell has a frustrated look on his face as he trudges off. Cleverly bowls this one quicker through the air, short and turning in, on the leg stump line, Glenn Maxwell goes back in his crease and tries to heave it away on the leg side. The ball is slightly too full to play the pull and he pays the price. Fails to connect as the ball spins in sharply after pitching and pegs back the leg stump. Kuldeep Yadav is delighted and so are the rest of his teammates. Australia in all sorts of trouble here.

Serves the googly this time, full.and on middle, Glenn Maxwell uses his feet to loft this one down the ground. Has to abort his shot at the last moment and gets an inside edge onto the front pad.

Much straighter this time, full and on middle, Cameron Green drives it off the front foot to the right of Kuldeep Yadav for a run.

Floated up, full and just outside off, Cameron Green is happy to defend this one off the front foot.

Starts on a short length, turning into the batter, Glenn Maxwell rocks back and pulls it in front of square. Ravindra Jadeja sprints across to his right and keeps it to a single.

Not in control but safe! Another carrom ball, fuller in length, at the stumps, Glenn Maxwell moves leg side and tries to flat bat it down the ground. Miscues it off the toe-end towards mid-wicket where Mohammed Siraj dives to his left but the ball eludes him. A single taken.

Gives the ball air again and drags his length back slightly, on off, Cameron Green steps out and goes for the heave. Mistimes his shot but gets it over mid-wicket for a single.

Pushes it through quicker, full and on middle, Cameron Green gets forward and pushes it back to the bowler.

Bowls the carrom ball, short and on off, Cameron Green picks it up and blocks it out off the back foot.

Offers flight, full and slower, on off, Glenn Maxwell waits and bunts it down to long on for a run.

Serves it full and around off, Cameron Green presses forward and pats it towards deep point for a single.

Floats it up, fraction full and wide outside off, Glenn Maxwell drills it towards extra cover but cannot get it past Virat Kohli.

Angling in, short and at the hips, Glenn Maxwell misses the tuck and gets hit high on the thigh pad.

Coming in with the arm, full and on middle, Cameron Green makes room and strokes it down to long off for a single.

Fires it in again, full and on off, Cameron Green takes a good stride forward and defends it out.

Quicker through the air, full and outside off, Glenn Maxwell prods forward and works it square on the off side for a run.

Bowls it short, turning away, outside off, Cameron Green stands tall and punches it through covers. The call is for two from Green but has to settle for a single.

Beaten! Serves it from wide of the crease and angles it in, in the corridor of uncertainty on off, Glenn Maxwell hangs out his bat to defend and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Honing in at the stumps, on a length, Glenn Maxwell gets behind the line and pushes it back to the bowler.

On a good length, around off, Cameron Green drives it on the up towards mid off. Shreyas Iyer stationed there, fumbles and concedes a single. Rohit Sharma isn't happy at all and lets Iyer know with a stare.

Slanting in, on a back of a length, outside off, the ball straightens a bit, Cameron Green opens the bat face and steers it to point.

Drags his length back and bowls it on off, Cameron Green dabs it off the back foot towards point.

Angles this one in the channel on off, on a length, Cameron Green stays beside the ball to defend. The ball skids on and sneaks under his bat.

Goes full, on middle, Glenn Maxwell blocks it out down the wicket.

FOUR! Fractionally short, turning away, on middle, Glenn Maxwell backs away and gives himself room. Slaps it wide of deep point for a boundary. A boundary after 73 balls for Australia.

Fullish delivery, on off and middle, Cameron Green knocks it along the ground to long off for one more.

Coming in with the angle, full and on off, Cameron Green pushes it straight to extra cover.

Drifts full and down leg, Glenn Maxwell helps it down to fine leg for one more run.

Bowls it full and outside off, Cameron Green reaches out on the front foot and guides it wide of point for a single.

A bit too straight, length and on the pads, Glenn Maxwell rolls his wrists and clips it through the vacant square leg region for a couple of runs.

Looks to go full but ends up bowling a low full toss, on middle and leg, Glenn Maxwell drives with a straight bat to mid on.

Takes pace off now and serves it on a length, on middle, Glenn Maxwell drops it with soft hands in front of cover.

WIDE! Loses his radar and sprays a length delivery, down leg, Glenn Maxwell lets it go for a wide.

Goes wide of the crease and slants this one in, full and straight at the stumps, Glenn Maxwell gets squared up as he comes on the front foot. Gets a soft leading edge towards cover.

WIDE! Tries to bang it in short, at the batter, Glenn Maxwell ducks underneath quickly. The ball goes over his head for a wide.

Angling in, around the off stump line, on a length, Glenn Maxwell takes a good stride forward and bunts it towards mid off.

Comes back into the attack and bowls it on a good length, on off and middle, Glenn Maxwell gets behind the line and taps it towards mid on.

Fired in, full and on middle, Cameron Green prods forward and defends it towards extra cover. End of an exceptional over by Ravindra Jadeja.

Quicker one, full and on off, Cameron Green keeps it out to the off side.

Cameron Green walks out to the middle.

OUT! LBW! Jadeja with the double whammy! This game has turned around in the space of just three balls. This is floated, full and around middle, turns in sharply this time, Alex Carey prods forward to work it away but he too plays down the wrong line and gets rapped around his pads. There is another huge shout for LBW, and up goes the finger again. Carey has a long chat with Glenn Maxwell but runs out of time in the end to take the review and makes the long walk back to the hut for a duck. Australia lose half their side now and the decision to not take the review was right as Ball Tracking shows three reds.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Alex Carey tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Drinks break! India are right on top at the moment. Ravindra Jadeja's twin strikes have put them in a commanding position and they will look to keep chipping away with wickets. Australia find themselves struggling with their top four batters gone and not much on the board. The newly arrived Glenn Maxwell has a lot to do here and he is now joined by Alex Carey.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jadeja strikes again! He floats this one up, full and around off, turns away, Marnus Labuschagne goes down to sweep it again but misses as KL Rahul collects it sharply behind the stumps. There is a huge appeal for the catch. Is that out? The umpire thinks so and raises his finger but Marnus Labuschagne takes the review. However, UltraEdge clearly shows a spike and Australia loses their fourth wicket now.

Flatter, short and on leg, Glenn Maxwell clips it through square leg for a single.

Pushed through quicker, short and around middle, Marnus Labuschagne moves across to expose his stumps and scoops it wide of fine leg where once again Ishan Kishan covers his ground to the right and dives to make a fine stop. Another two runs added to the total.

Goes short again, on leg, Glenn Maxwell nudges it through backward square leg for one.

Floated, full and on leg, Glenn Maxwell looks to paddle it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne goes down and sweeps it through square leg for another run.

Short again and around leg this time, Glenn Maxwell goes down and swipes it towards deep backward square leg for a run.

Short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne moves back and flicks it through square leg for a single.

Flatter delivery, full and on middle, Glenn Maxwell strides forward and blocks it out. Jadeja appeals as he thinks it is pad first, but nothing doing.

Shortish and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne moves back and cuts it through point for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne turns it to the leg side.

Darts this one full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne defends it on the front foot.

Flatter, full and on middle, Glenn tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single and gets off the mark.

Glenn Maxwell walks in now.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! A ripper from Ravindra Jadeja as he sends Steven Smith packing who is just standing there in disbelief. Again, a break in play proves to be helpful for the fielding side. Jadeja bowls this a bit quicker, angles in and then grips and turns away just a shy bit, Steven Smith prods forward to defend but plays completely down the wrong line and misses as the ball goes through to rattle the top of off pole. Australia three dow now!

Halt! A break in play as the players replenish themselves with fluids in these hot and humid conditions. We are all good to go now.

Another short delivery, on off, Steven Smith forces it towards long off for one.

Short again and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne punches it hard wide covers where Hardik Pandya puts in an excellent dive to his left to stop it. They cross. India have been brilliant in the field till now.

Fine effort in the deep! This is quicker, short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne moves across and scoops it wide of fine leg where Ishan Kishan runs to his right and dives to flick the ball inside. Two run taken.

Floated, full and on off, Steven Smith goes down to sweep it but it toe-ends it past mid-wicket for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne reverse-paddles it wide of short third man for a single.

Flatter, short and on off, turns in a shy bit, Marnus Labuschagne stays back to guide it away but misses it. KL Rahul collects and takes the bails off and the umpires want to check for the stumping. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and the replay clearly shows that the back foot of Marnus Labuschagne is grounded well inside.

Short again and around off, Steven Smith punches it towards short covers.

Shorter in length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne moves back and punches it towards long on for one.

Oh..close! This is slower through the air, on middle, turns away a bit, Marnus Labuschagne looks to work it away but gets leading edge which falls just in front of Jadeja.

Floated, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it back to the bowler.

Flatter, full and on leg, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

In the air...safe! This is floated, full and on off, turns away, Steven Smith mistimes his lofted shot in the air but it lands just before the incoming long on fielder. A single is taken.

Length again, on leg, Steven Smith nudges it through square leg for one.

On a length and on middle, Steven Smith pats it down towards short mid-wicket.

Pitched up, on middle, Steven Smith works it towards short mid-wicket.

Mohammed Siraj sees Smith wind up for the scoop and serves this full and outside off, Smudge tries to change his shot at the last moment but it is too late as he misses.

Full again and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it past mid-wicket for a single.

Full and on middle, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it nicely wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

A single to end the over as this short ball is worked through backward square leg by Marnus Labuschagne.

Another short delivery, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pats it towards short mid-wicket.

Short again and outside off, Steven Smith cuts it wide of sweeper covers where Kuldeep Yadav quickly runs to his left to collect it and keeps it down to just one.

Short and around leg, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it through square leg for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Steven Smith drives it towards long off for a single.

Flatter, full and on leg, Marnus Labuschagne misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads wide of short fine leg. A leg bye is taken.

Pitched up and on middle, Steven Smith knocks it down the pitch where Mohammed Siraj stretches his right hand to make a decent half-stop.

Touch fuller and on off, Steven Smith taps it in front of point and calls for the run but is sent back by his partner.

Mohammed Siraj bangs this short and around middle, Marnus Labuschagne gets hurried and mistimes his pull shot wide of mid-wicket for a run.

Length again, on off, Marnus Labuschagne waits for it and steers it very late wide of third man where Ravichandran Ashwin runs to his left and dives to make a good stop. Two runs taken.

On a length and around off, Steven Smith opens the face of the bat and guides it towards third man for a single.

Fuller one and on middle, Steven Smith blocks it out towards short covers.

Mohammed Siraj (3-1-9-0) returns to the attack.

Floated, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne drives it straight to the bowler.

Goes short again, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne moves back to clip it towards short mid-wicket.

Fires this one full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne steers it towards short third man.

Flatter delivery, short and on middle, turns away, Marnus Labuschagne keeps it out to the off side.

Short again and around off, Steven Smith punches it through covers for a single.

Quicker, short and on middle, angling in, Steven Smith pushes it back to the bowler.

Kuldeep Yadav drags his length back and around middle, Steven Smith pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

Flighted, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne goes down and sweeps it through square leg for a run.

Quicker delivery, short again and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne cuts it straight to cover-point.

Floated, short and on middle, turning in, Marnus Labuschagne moves back to work it away but misses and gets hit on his thigh pads.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Steven Smith drives it towards long off for a single.

Flatter, short and around off, Steven Smith looks to cut it away but misses out.

Delivers it full this time, around off, Steven Smith extends his arms and drives it to the left of extra cover and keeps the strike with a single.

Fires it in, short and on middle, Steven Smith backs away and knocks it back to the bowler.

Another short delivery, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne nudges it backward of square on the leg side and picks up a run.

FOUR! Deft touch! A bit too straight by Jadeja and quicker as well, Marnus Labuschagne helps this short delivery towards fine leg. Beats Ravichandran Ashwin at short fine leg to his right for a boundary.

Gets the ball to spin away, short and outside off, Steven Smith steers it off the back foot to deep point and gets across for another single.

Starts from 'round the wicket and bowls it short and on off, Marnus Labuschagne opens the face of his bat and pushes it to deep point for a single.

Tosses this one a bit, short and on middle, Steven Smith works it off the back foot but is unable to get it past mid-wicket. Another quiet over by Kuldeep Yadav.

Continues to bowl it short and flatter, on off, Steven Smith dabs it from the crease to point.

Quicker through the air, short and on the off stump line, Steven Smith defends it with a straight bat towards extra cover.

Another short delivery, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it off his pads to deep square leg and rotates the strike with a single.

Googly this time, short and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne stays back and keeps it out on the off side.

Lands it short and turning into the batter, slower though, Marnus Labuschagne goes on the back foot and punches it to extra cover.

At 91.6 kph, full and slanting in, on middle, Steven Smith drives it off the front foot but picks out mid off.

Short and on off, the ball keeps straight, Marnus Labuschagne shuffles and nudges it through square leg for one more run.

The carrom ball again, short and on off, Marnus Labuschagne hangs back and blocks it out.

Full again, on middle, Steven Smith drops it in front of mid-wicket and calls his partner through for a single.

Bowls the off break now, full and on off, Steven Smith gets a stride forward and defends it out.

Beauty! Bowls the carrom ball on this occasion from the front of the hand, full and just outside off, Steven Smith reaches out in front to defend. The ball spins away and goes past his outside edge.

Fullish delivery, just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne drills it straight to extra cover. End of a successful over by Kuldeep Yadav.

Floats it up nicely, full and turning in, on off, Marnus Labuschagne makes room and drives it back to the bowler.

Lands it full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne gets on the front foot and blocks it out.

Marnus Labuschagne comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! The spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav strikes and the crowd have found their voices again! Bowls this one slightly quicker, full and at the stumps, David Warner gives himself room and tries to go down the ground. Does not manage to get underneath the delivery and gets no elevation. Hits it flat and straight bat to Kuldeep Yadav who is up to the task and makes no mistake. Runs had stopped flowing for David Warner and it seems to have gotten the better of him.

Gives the ball air, full and on middle, David Warner gets down to slog it away. Hits it along the ground to short fine leg.

Quicker through the air, short and around middle, Steven Smith stays back and helps it down to fine leg for a run.

Short and angled in, on the pads, David Warner waits back and keeps it out on the leg side.

Pushes it through, full and quicker, David Warner goes for the drive by reaching out in front. Gets an inside edge onto his back pad.

Coming in with the angle, full and on off, David Warner tries to drive it down the ground. Mishits it towards mid-wicket.

Drifting in, full and on middle and leg, David Warner uses his feet and whips it straight to mid-wicket.

Full again, on the pads, Steven Smith works it between square leg and mid-wicket and gets across for a run.

Tosses it up, full and on middle, David Warner makes room and hits it along the ground to long off for a single.

Drinks! Australia have recovered well after losing ane early wicket. David Warner and Steven Smith both are looking in good touch and will look to extend this partnership to set a good platform for them. India have kept the runs in check but they will hope to take a few wickets as they know that Australia have a lot of firepower in their batting. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Another short delivery, around off, David Warner punches it off the back foot to deep cover and retains the strike with a single.

Oh, some more turn! Drags his length back and bowls it short and slower, on off, David Warner goes back in his crease and shapes to pull. Changes his shot at the last moment and gets an outside edge that goes on the bounce to backward point.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Kuldeep Yadav errs in line and serves it full and down leg, David Warner allows the ball to come to him and tickles it fine to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Quicker through the air, short and turning away, on off, David Warner stays back and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Drops it short and on the off stump line, David Warner makes room and dabs it straight to backward point.

Bowls a googly, full and on middle, David Warner blocks it out off the front foot.

Keeps it full and flighted on the stumps, David Warner steps out and works it towards deep mid-wicket for another single. A good over for Australia, 7 came off it.

Serves it full and on middle and leg again, Steven Smith whips it with his wrists to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Drifts on the pads this time, David Warner clips this full delivery to long on and rotates the strike.

Pushed through, short and on middle, David Warner pushes it off the back foot to cover.

Darts it in, short and on middle, David Warner keeps it out from the crease.

FOUR! Good use of the feet! Tossed up, full and around off, David Warner shimmies down the track and carves it over extra cover for a boundary.

Offers flight again and drags his length back, on off, David Warner pushes away from the body. Gets an outside edge that rolls to third man for one.

Bowls a googly, turning into the pads, David Warner tries to clip this short delivery but misses. Not much of an appeal as the ball was heading down leg.

Nicely tossed up, on off, Steven Smith drills it along the ground to long off. Jasprit Bumrah moves quickly to his right and keeps it to a single.

Another full delivery, on off, David Warner knocks it down the wicket. Kuldeep Yadav fails to make the stop to his right and concedes a single.

Flighted again, full and on middle, Steven Smith clips it through mid-wicket and takes a single.

A loud shout for LBW but turned down! Starts with a loopy delivery, full and down leg, David Warner goes for the sweep but misses. Gets hit on the front pad as the ball rolls to short fine leg. Rohit Sharma thinks of a review but decides against it. Given as runs by the umpire.

Spin from both ends now as Kuldeep Yadav comes into the attack now.

Sees the batter advance and fires it in, full and on middle, David Warner strokes it down to long on and keeps the strike.

Floats it up again, full and around middle, David Warner blocks it out towards mid-wicket.

Slows it up and drags it back, turning away, on middle, David Warner gets down to slog it away. The ball grips in the surface and hits him near his waist.

Quicker and shorter, turning in, on middle, Steven Smith hangs back and nudges it in front of square for a run.

Drifting in, full and on the pads, David Warner knocks it along the ground to long on for a single.

Slower through the air, short and on middle, David Warner turns this one from the crease to short fine leg.

Serves it on a length, outside off, Steven Smith drives it on the up towards extra cover. Virat Kohli dives to his right and parries it towards mid off.

On a hard length, on off, Steven Smith camps back and defends it with a straight bat towards mid off.

FOUR! Pulled away in the gap! Shortens his length and bowls it around off, Steven Smith gets into a good position and pulls it in front of square. Beats deep square to his left for a boundary.

Pace on this time, fullish delivery, on off, Steven Smith drives it firmly down the wicket. Hardik Pandya sticks out his right boot and prevents any runs.

FOUR! Steven Smith continues to take on Hardik Pandya! Rolls his fingers over the ball and serves it too full, on off, Steven Smith latches onto the shot quickly and lofts it wide of mid off for a boundary.

Starts on a good length, around off, Steven Smith steps out and drills it on the bounce towards extra cover. Virat Kohli leaps and makes a good stop.

Powerplay 2! India can now have 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the 40th over.

Darts this one full and on middle, David Warner turns it to the leg side.

FOUR! David Warner finds the gap now! Ravichandran Ashwin drags his length back again around off, David Warner moves back and punches it nicely through extra covers as the ball wins the race to the fence for a boundary.

Flatter, full and on leg, angling in, David Warner prods forward to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Another short delivery, on middle, Steven Smith stays back and flicks it through mid-wicket for another run.

Short again and around leg, David Warner works it wide of short fine leg for a run.

Quicker, short and on middle, Steven Smith clips it towards square leg for a single.

Touch fuller and on off, David Warner steers it towards point where the fielder lets it through but Ishan Kishan provides good backup to save a run.

Back of a length and on off, David Warner bunts it on to the pitch as the ball goes nowhere.

Pitched up and around middle, David Warner looks to heave it across the line but mistimes it as it goes over mid-wicket and Shreyas Iyer chases it to mop it up. Two runs taken.

On a length and on off, Steven Smith drops it in front of short covers and scampers across for a run.

Full again and around off, Steven Smith moves across but flicks it straight towards mid-wicket. He looks for a run but is sent back. There is a direct hit at his end but no harm done. The ball ricochets to cover-point and Smudge again looks for a run but nothing doing.

Fuller one and on middle, David Warner tucks it wide of mid on for a single.

Jasprit Bumrah (3-0-7-1) comes back on, replacing Hardik Pandya.

Pushed through quicker, short again, on middle, David Warner works it towards backward square leg for another run.

Shortish and on middle, Steven Smith nudges it towards square leg for run.

Slower through the air, on off, turns in with bounce again, Steven Smith gets surprised by it but manages to keep it out.

Quicker, short and on off again, Steven Smith backs away to cut it but misses due to the extra bounce.

Floated, full and on off, Steven Smith blocks it out to the off side.

Ravichandran Ashwin begins with a flatter delivery, full and on off, David Warner drives it towards long off for a singe.

Time for some spin as the local boy Ravichandran Ashwin comes into the attack.

FOUR! Steven Smith finds the fence too now! Hardik Pandya once again bowls this a bit too full, on middle, Steven Smith stays there and drills it with a straight bat past the bowler for the third boundary of the over.

This is on a good length and on leg, David Warner flicks it through square leg for one.

FOUR! Another boundary! Hardik Pandya bangs this short and around leg, David Warner shuffles across and hooks it towards the fine leg fence for a one-bounce four. The umpire initially signals a maximum but changes his decision after a couple of replays.

On a length and on middle, David Warner turns it to the leg side.

Halt! Hardik Pandya will require medical attention to his right index finger and the physio sprints out to attend to him. With the previous boundary, David Warner brought up 1000 runs in World Cups. In the meantime, the two Aussie batters sip on some fluids. We are all good to go now.

DROPPED! A very tough chance though! Hardik Pandya serves this full, on middle, slower too, David Warner drives it hard and uppishly down the pitch where Hardik Pandya manages to get his outstretched right hand to it but the power is so much that the ball still races towards the long off fence for a boundary.

Hardik Pandya starts with a full delivery, on off, David Warner blocks it out towards short covers.

Overpitched and on off, Steven Smith drives it firmly but finds the short extra covers fielder. A maiden over from Siraj!

Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Steven Smith gets behind the line of it and defends it as the ball rolls towards mid off.

Pitched up again, on off, Steven Smith blocks it out towards short covers.

This is on a good length and on off, Steven Smith looks to play but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards point.

Full again, on off, Steven Smith knocks it towards mid off.

Fuller one and on off, Steven Smith pushes it towards mid off where Hardik Pandya fumbles a bit but the batters take no chance for the run.

BEATEN! Jasprit Bumrah goes a bit fuller now, on off, angling away, David Warner looks to drive it on the up but once again gets beaten on the outside edge.

Length again, on middle, Steven Smith clips it in front of short mid-wicket for a quick single.

This is on a good length and on off, angling in, Steven Smith blocks it out to the left of the bowler.

Back of a length and around off, Steven Smith punches it straight to covers.

On a length and on off, Steven Smith keeps it out towards short covers.

FOUR! Nice shot! Jasprit Bumrah serves this full and on off, Steven Smith presents the full face of the and drives it sweetly wide of mid off for a boundary.

Mohammed Siraj continues with his fuller length, on middle, Steven Smith tucks it in front of mid on for a quick single, Rohit Sharma hits the stumps at the bowler's end as the ball deflects away but the batters decide against the extra run.

Another full delivery around off, Steven Smith drills it straight to covers this time.

FOUR! Fine shot! Mohammed Siraj serves this full again, on middle, angling in, Steven Smith lets the ball come to him and times his on drive to perfection with an angled bat past mid on for a boundary.

Pitched up and on off again, Steven Smith drives it wide of short covers where Shreyas Iyer quickly moves to his right and makes a good stop.

Full again and around off, Steven Smith knocks it with the a straight bat towards mid off.

Fuller one and on middle, shaping away, Steven Smith gets squared up a bit but manages to keep it out towards short covers.

BEAUTY! Jasprit Bumrah lands this on a good length from around the wicket, on middle, shaping away, David Warner looks to fend it but misses as the ball just goes past the outside edge to the keeper.

Touch fuller, on off, Steven Smith drops it in front of short covers and scampers across for a single, and has to put a dive in the end.

Back of a length and on off, Steven Smith dabs it towards point.

Full and on off, Steven Smith keeps it out to the off side.

Steven Smith walks in at number 3. Also, the second slip has been reinstated.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Jasprit Bumrah draws first blood! Mitchell Marsh goes without troubling the scorers. Bumrah lands this on a hard length and around off, straightens a bit after hitting the deck, Mitchell Marsh looks to push it with hard hands and without any footwork, and only manages to get a thin outside edge towards first slip where Virat Kohli dives to his left to take a brilliant catch. Australia lose their first wicket!

Fuller one and on middle, angling in, Mitchell Marsh defends it of the inner half of the bat to the leg side.

Mohammed Siraj bowls this a bit slower, on a length and around off, keeps low too, David Warner looks to play at it but misses as the ball goes under his bat and on two bounces to the keeper.

Short of a length and outside off, David Warner cuts it straight to cover-point and sets off for the run again but is sent back as the fielder also misses his shy at the batter's end. Warner was safe anyways.

Goes full now, on off, David Warner taps it to the off side and wants the run but he is sent back by Marsh.

Length again, on off, David Warner looks to cut again but ends up chopping it on the bounce towards point.

This is on a good length and around off, angling away, David Warner leaves it alone.

FOUR! David Warner greets Mohammed Siraj with a boundary! Siraj begins with a back-of-a-length delivery, outside off, David Warner frees his arms and cuts it hard as the ball zips through point for the first boundary of the match.

Mohammed Siraj will steam in from the other end.

Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Mitchell Marsh gets behind the line of it and blocks it out towards short covers. Only one run of the first over then!

Pitched up once again around off, Mitchell Marsh dabs it straight to point again.

Full again, on off, Mitchell Marsh stays in his crease and steers it towards point.

Goes a bit fuller this time on the sixth stump line, Mitchell Marsh lets it go to the keeper.

David Warner and Australia are underway! This is on a back of a length and around off, David Warner pats it wide of cover-point for a single.

BEATEN! Jasprit Bumrah lands this on a hard length from around the wicket, on off, angling away, David Warner has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

The national anthems are done, and we are all in readiness for the game to commence as the two umpires make their way out to the middle. Loud cheers from the crowd as the Indians disperse from the huddle. They are followed by the two openers of Australia, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. Jasprit Bumrah has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Two slips in place. Let's play...

We are moments away from this blockbuster clash, but before that, the match officials and the two sets of players will line up for the national anthems. It will be Australia's national anthem first, followed by the national anthem of India.

India's skipper Rohit Sharma says that conditions are there for the bowlers. Adds that the wicket is on the slower side and it will turn as the game progresses. Feels that it will be important to understand what sort of lines and lengths to bowl. Also says that they played two good series before the warm-up games and are ready for this competition. Adds that they have all bases covered. Informs that waited till this morning for Shubman Gill but he did not recover in time. Also informs that Ishan Kishan will replace him and open the innings.

Pat Cummins, the skipper of Australia says that they will bat first. Adds that it looks like a good wicket and they want to set a target. Adds that they are in a good spot and have played quite a lot of cricket in the past month or so. Tells that they have a nice balance between game time and being fresh. Says Travis Head is on the couch in Adelaide and misses out while Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott and Josh Inglis are not quite ready and are out for this game as well.

Australia (Playing XI) - David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (WK), Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

India (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in the favour of Pat Cummins and Australia have opted to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT - Ravi Shastri is near the deck. He informs that this is a slowish surface and might be two-paced as well. Adds that the pitches here have been firmer and reckons that spinners will come into play. Feels that pacers will also get help if they bowl back of a length. Harbhajan Singh joins him and says that this is drier than the usual Chennai surface. Shastri says that he will be tempted to play three spinners with the vast experience they have and Australia will think on the same lines as well. Harbhajan says that Mohammed Siraj should play ahead of Mohammed Shami because you need the pace of Siraj on this surface. Shastri ends by saying that Adam Zampa will hold the key for Australia in this game.

Australia, on the other hand, are different gravy when it comes to the ODI World Cup. Even though they lost the series against India just before the tournament, they comfortably won the third ODI where mostly the main starters played for both sides. David Warner is in top form and he just loves to score runs in India while Mitchell Marsh has been brilliant in this format for quite some time now. Marnus Labuschagne has peaked just at the right time for them too. However, they will expect a bit more from Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis in the middle order. They have taken the risk of not selecting another spinner in place of the injured Ashton Agar, and will hope that Maxwell delivers with the ball as well along with Adam Zampa. Talking about their pace department, Mitchell Starc has always been a threat to the Indian top order while in Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins they have two really intelligent bowlers. The match-ups in this game are simply amazing and we are surely in a for a thrilling contest. Will the lack of spin options prove to be the downfall for the Aussies? Or will they continue to maintain their good record against the Men in Blue in this competition? We will find out soon. Toss and team news in a bit.

India were hit with some unfortunate news with Shubman Gill being unwell and it remains to be seen if he plays in this game or not. However, even if he is out, Ishan Kishan can fill his spot effectively. KL Rahul has been in great form recently and has cemented that number four position while they have star players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma above him. Another interesting thing will be if they go with three spinners and bring Ravichandran Ashwin in as he had played for Chennai for a long time in the Indian T20 League and knows these conditions well which generally helps the spinners. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah will be their main duo in the pace attack with Pandya providing the support. So, they need to make a decision between Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Shami to see if they want that extra batting option or a proper fast bowler. They will have to select the right combination and perform at the highest level to go past the mighty Aussies.

Hello and a warm welcome folks! The time has come for the hosts to kick start their World Cup campaign as they go up against the most successful team in this competition. Yes, it is India taking on Australia at the M.A Chidambaram stadium in Chennai and stakes are high as both sides look to begin their tournament on a positive note.

... MATCH DAY ...

The cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation as the spotlight turns to the much-awaited clash between India and Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. This thrilling encounter will be hosted at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, known as Chepauk, where the weather seems favourable, with no rain expected. The expectations are soaring for this formidable Indian side, led by the dynamic captain Rohit Sharma who himself is in scintillating form and looks poised to rekindle the magic of his previous outing in 2019 where he scored an incredible five centuries. The Indian top order is a powerhouse, with the likes of Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, all in terrific touch and capable of posting substantial scores against any opposition. However, the biggest question for India right now is to find an opening pair with Rohit Sharma as Shubhman Gill is reported ill and is likely to miss the opener. Will it be Ishan Kishan or will it be KL Rahul, it is still a mystery to unfold, although the former looks like the most ideal replacement. The bowling department boasts an abundance of experience, featuring the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, and Mohammed Shami forming the new pace trio. They are complemented by the intelligence of Ravichandran Ashwin and the spin brilliance of Kuldeep Yadav. India's true strength lies in their all-rounders, the dynamic duo of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, who are well-equipped to deliver match-winning performances with both bat and ball. India locking horns with Australia is always a cricketing spectacle, and the recent three-match series before this mega event exemplified the thrill these encounters bring. Australia are considered one of the strongest sides in this World Cup, boasting the ability to take down any opponent on their day. Pat Cummins, Australia's ODI skipper, is still adapting to the role, leading a team that's ready to take on all challengers. Despite the setback of Travis Head's injury just before the World Cup, Australia have the firepower in their batting but they will be expecting more from their middle-order batters. The veteran duo of David Warner and Steven Smith, might be playing their final World Cup and will be determined to make significant contributions. With the class of Marnus Labuschagne and the explosive power of Glenn Maxwell in the middle, the Australian batting lineup exudes solidity. Australia's bowling has traditionally been a potent weapon, featuring the likes of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, who pose a formidable challenge with the new ball. Adam Zampa's spin prowess adds depth to their bowling attack but the lack of a genuine spin partner could cost the Kangaroos. This clash between India and Australia promises to be a titanic battle, with both teams eager to emerge victorious, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of glory.