MOHALI, India (AP) — India won the toss and decided to field on Friday in the first one-day international against Australia just two weeks ahead of the Cricket World Cup.
Following its win in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka last week, India has made changes to its full-strength side keeping the World Cup in mind.
Skipper Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli have been rested for the first two ODIs. All-rounder Hardik Pandya and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav also have been given a break.
Lokesh Rahul, who recently returned from a long-term leg injury, leads the side for the first two matches.
Australia, meanwhile, arrives in India following a 3-2 ODI series loss in South Africa. It was leading 2-0 before losing three games in a row.
Australia has brought its full-strength squad to India. Captain Pat Cummins is back in charge, with Steve Smith also returning ahead of the World Cup.
Mitchell Marsh will open the batting with David Warner as Travis Head is ruled out due to injury.
Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc and batsman Glenn Maxwell miss the first game. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey has been rested with Josh Inglis coming in.
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Lineups:
India: Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, K.L. Rahul (captain), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami.
Australia: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, Pat Cummins (captain), Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa.
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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket
