World Cup 2019: India witness a day wasted due to downpour ahead of high-octane Australia clash

India was off to a happy start in the ICC World Cup 2019 on June 5 when they defeated South Africa by 6 wickets. It was the third consecutive instance that the Men in Blue began their campaign at the quadrennial event on a winning note after 2011 and 2015. Virat Kohli’s men next take on Australia at the Oval on Sunday and although they have a poor record against the Kangaroos in cricket’s biggest event, the upcoming one promises yo be an explosive affair.

India, however, had a disappointing day on Friday as the team could not get the necessary practice ahead of their high-voltage clash against Aaron Finch’s side. The day was, in fact, a dull one as the scheduled match between former champions Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Bristol was abandoned because of the rain. A few games in this World Cup have been affected by rain and it was the first match to get washed out without a ball being bowled.

Talking about India’s next game, the Men in Yellow will be tougher opponents than the Proteas. After having an ordinary 2018, Australia restored their form just ahead of the World Cup and have won two matches on the trot – against Afghanistan and the West Indies. Against the Caribbeans, they were reeling at 79 for 5 at one stage to end up winning by 15 runs.

India and Australia have beaten each other in away series of late

India beat Australia in a Test and ODI series in their den in December and January but lost a T20I and ODI series at home in February-March. Kohli’s men lost the last ODI series against Australia 2-3 after leading a 2-0 at one stage. Also, Kohli’s men will be remembering the semi-final of the 2015 edition where they lost their crown to Australia.

India was once tied 2-2 in their encounters in the World Cup but Australia thereafter went on to win five on the trot between 1992 and 2003. Currently, Australia has an 8-3 head-to-head record against the Indians.

The last time India met Australia in a World Cup game in England was at the same Oval in 1999. On that occasion, Glenn McGrath had run through the Men in Blue’s top order to help Australia win by 77 runs.