KL Rahul, standing in as captain for India, won the toss and chose to field on what appears to be a favorable batting pitch in Mohali. However, Mohammed Shami made an immediate impact by dismissing the dangerous Mitchell Marsh in the very first over, giving India the early advantage.
Ravichandran Ashwin is making his return to India’s ODI lineup after a 20-month absence, and Shreyas Iyer is also back, presumably fully recovered from his injury. Mohammed Siraj is taking a well-deserved break, with Mohammed Shami taking his place in the lineup. Additionally, Suryakumar Yadav will assume the number 4 batting position, resulting in no spot for Tilak Varma in the team.
In the 1st ODI between India and Australia at Mohali, India has opted to bowl first. Exactly 16 days from today, India and Australia will clash in Chennai, with higher stakes, greater expectations, and a grander stage—the World Cup 2023. But before that crucial encounter, India and Australia have one final opportunity to fine-tune their preparations in this three-match ODI series, beginning today at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.
With less than two weeks remaining until the World Cup, some may question the need for a bilateral series, especially when all 10 participating teams will have two warm-up matches each before the main rounds. A last-minute injury during this series could potentially harm the teams’ prospects.
Shami delivers to Mitchell Marsh, and he’s caught by Shubman Gill! It’s an edged delivery that finds the safe hands of Gill. Just before this delivery, the 2nd slip had been removed, but the 1st slip fielder remained in position, and the ball headed straight towards him.
Early success for #TeamIndia!
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 22, 2023
A wicket for @MdShami11 as Shubman Gill takes the catch.
Australia lose Mitchell Marsh.
Live – https://t.co/F3rj8GI20u… #INDvAUS@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/cNcwJeQiXN
Shami bowled a magnificent delivery, landing it perfectly on middle, with just a hint of movement away after pitching. Marsh had already committed to a front-foot defensive stroke when the ball found the edge. It traveled smoothly into the hands of Gill at 1st slip, who made no errors. India achieves an early breakthrough.