1. Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins
Virat Kohli, arguably the best batsman of this generation have always maintained that Australia has always been the biggest challenge in his career and he loves facing them. But there is one fast bowler in the Australian ranks that has always troubled Kohli, Pat Cummins. Cummins has always troubled him whether it is 50 overs or Test cricket. The champion batsman has always found it difficult to tackle the Aussie fast bowler. Cummins has always tested Kohli’s patience by bowling wide outside off stump to him which has resulted in Kohli getting dismissed quite a few times. Cummins has always bowled that proving line which Kohli does not like, the Indian captain was caught behind the stumps in the first game and Cummins will be looking to target that weakness again when the two sides clash at the Oval. Cummins has managed to dismiss the Indian skipper 5 times so far in international cricket.
2. Rohit Sharma against Adam Zampa
The Centurian of the last match Rohit Sharma has been troubled by wrist spinners in recent times. Whether it is International cricket or IPL, Rohit has failed to pick the googly and has been bowled several times. Zampa is a key cog in Australia’s bowling lineup as whether has the ability to pick up wickets in the middle stages. Captain Finch can even introduce Zampa Early if Rohit is batting and can Exploit his Weakness against the Spinners. Rohit, on the other hand, has to bat smartly and pick the googly, as his form is crucial for India’s success against the Aussies. Zampa dismissed rohit in the last ODI India played against Australia where he was stumped at the Kotla.
3. Mitchell Starc vs MS Dhoni
The Master finisher will have his task cut out on Sunday as he will have to face the fiery Starc in the death overs. Starc picked the first five-wicket haul of the cricket World Cup 2019 against the Windies and showed his class on the world stage again. Starc executes the yorkers at will which can trouble Dhoni, he also has the vicious bouncer that will check the reflexes of Dhoni against Genuine Fast bowling. India relies heavily on Dhoni to finish the innings in style but this time it won’t be easy against the deadly left-arm seamer.
4. Steven Smith against Kul-Cha
The leg-spin duo of Kuldeep and Chahal are genuine match winners for India as they have continued to pick up wickets and have always kept a lid on the scoring rate. Kuldeep and Chahal would be bowling to Smith a lot as he bats in the middle overs and is a phenomenal player of spin. He rarely allows the spinners to settle down and keeps dancing down the track and flicking them for runs on the side. If Smith manages to play Kul-Cha with ease then Australia would hold all the aces as he would negotiate the threat of the spinners single-handedly. The spinners will have to strike early against Smith and don’t allow him to settle down on the crease.
5. Warner against Bumrah
The number one fast bowler in ODI announced his arrival against South Africa in the World Cup in style. Bumrah with his awkward action and pace makes batsman around the world dance to his tunes. He will be up against Warner, an outstanding batsman in his own right that would be looking to preserve his wickets against Bumrah. This although won’t be easy for Warner as Bumrah’s natural angle allows him to take the ball away from the left-handers that always keeps the slip cordon interested. If Bumrah knocks over Warner early this would put a lot of pressure on the Aussies and make India front runners to win the crucial encounter.
