One Day International Series – India’s big guns return for Australia series

India has become the perennial bridesmaid to Australia in the ICC rankings but this series could be their chance to redeem themselves for failings of the past however this series has the potential to explode on the sub-continent.

The last series these two teams played will forever be remembered for the action of the field not on it.

Accusations of racism and ugly court room battles all overshadowed what should have been a fantastic series.

Both teams have the chance to put all that behind them and get on with just playing cricket however it will be interesting to see how the Indian crowds react to Australia’s presence on the sub-continent.

India’s record at home is impressive winning six of their past nine series since 2005 including the scalps of England and Pakistan (who then provided India with only their second loss in that time.)

They had a drawn series against South Africa but their record against Australia however is the issue. Their 2007 series 4-2 loss was the latest in a string of defeats to the Aussies, their early exit from the Champions Trophy was also a concern but admittedly they were without a few of their key players – Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh.

Now that they are back, India are in with a chance to steal back some points on the ICC rankings.

Their last match against the Aussies was a wash out during the Champions Trophy, which helped dump them from the tournament earlier than expected their last completed match they won by nine runs back in 2007/08.

Then it was Sachin Tendulkar who did the damage and he will again be crucial if India are to beat the Aussies.

His talismanic affect on the team can not be understated or underestimated. If he fires, India are nigh unstoppable. If he fails than the rest of the batting line up are forced into action to which they quickly become susceptible to capitulation.

Masters of the short game, India will no doubt be keen for their bowlers to do the damage against a weakened Australian attack.

The squad:

MS Dhoni (capt/wk): One of the best captains in international cricket, has the full respect of his team and his opponents. Can smack quick runs if needed.

Sachin Tendulkar: The Little Maestro. Has amassed 16,903 ODI runs and 12,773 Test runs. Enough said.

Virender Sehwag: India missed Sehwag during the Champions Trophy and will be a danger man. The 30-year-old not only gives India attacking weapon with the bat but his right arm off break can tie up an end.

Gautam Gambhir: Explosive left hander with a strike rate of 84.56 over 81 ODI. His average of 37.42 belies his impact on the team.

Yuvraj Singh: A specialist one day player with 76 wickets and a strike rate of 89.46 with the bat. A ‘go-to’ man for Dhoni.

Suresh Raina: Has had a tumultuous start to his career. Offering plenty but delivering very little, he seems to be coming into his own. If he gets set can be difficult to dislodge. Much like a tick.