The fifth match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will see India take on Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, October 8. Both teams have won their opening matches and will be looking to maintain their momentum in the tournament. Here are the top five players to watch out for in this high-voltage clash:
Shubman Gill (India)
The young opener has been in sublime form, scoring 178 runs in two innings at an average of 89. He smashed a brilliant century against England in the first match and followed it up with a fluent 78 against Bangladesh. He has shown great temperament and technique against both pace and spin, and will be eager to continue his run spree against Australia.
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Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
The explosive all-rounder was the star of the show in Australia’s consolation win in the third ODI against India earlier this year. He scored a career-best 4 for 40 with his off-spin and then blasted 62 off 28 balls to seal the chase. He has also returned to training after recovering from a hamstring injury and will be a crucial piece to Australia’s World Cup jigsaw puzzle.
Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
The veteran spinner has made a comeback to the ODI side after four years and has impressed with his variations and control. He picked up four wickets in two matches, including three in the second ODI against Australia. He also bowled well in the T20I series, taking five wickets in three games. He will be a key factor on the Chennai track, which is expected to be a turner.
David Warner (Australia)
The left-handed opener has been one of the most consistent batsmen in ODI cricket over the years. He has scored 161 runs in three innings at an average of 53.66 against India this year, including a match-winning 87 in the second ODI. He also has a good record in India, averaging 54.66 in 12 ODIs with four centuries. He will be looking to provide a solid start for Australia and take on the Indian bowlers.
Shreyas Iyer (India)
The middle-order batsman has cemented his place in the ODI side with some consistent performances. He has scored 156 runs in three innings at an average of 52 against Australia this year, including two half-centuries. He has also shown his ability to accelerate and finish the innings, as he did with a 34-ball 65 in the first ODI against England. He will be a vital cog in India’s batting line-up and will aim to provide stability and firepower.
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| Player | Team | Role | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Wickets | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | India | Opener | 178 | 89.00 | 93.68 | – | – |
| Glenn Maxwell | Australia | All-rounder | 62 | 62.00 | 221.42 | 4 | 4.00 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | India | Spinner | – | – | – | 4 | 4.40 |
| David Warner | Australia | Opener | 161 | 53.66 | 91.47 | – | – |
| Shreyas Iyer | India | Middle-order batsman | 156 | 52.00 | 104.69 | – | – |
These are some of the players who can make a difference in the match between India and Australia on Sunday. However, there are many other talented and experienced players on both sides who can also shine on the big stage. It promises to be an exciting contest between two of the best teams in world cricket.
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