The platform is set to perfection as India begin their white-ball tour of Australia with the opening ODI at Perth's Optus Stadium on October 19. The Men in Blue and the Aussies will hope to make a good start to the series before proceeding to the remaining two ODIs and five T20Is. Famous for its pace and bounce, Perth should offer an intriguing battle between bat and ball with India's two legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma also making a comeback.
IND vs AUS: Optus Stadium Pitch Report
The Optus surface has become known as among the quickest pitches in world cricket, with an abundance of bounce and carry for the pacemen. The seamers will look forward to the early stages, with the new ball expected to turn around corners and test the technique of the batters. Once established, however, batters can utilize the genuine bounce and road-racing outfield to free their bats. Spinners may have a restricted role but could become important as the game wears on and the pitch hardens up.
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IND vs AUS: Toss Strategy
Traditionally, teams pursuing have also fared better here. Of the six ODIs at this ground, only once have sides batting first won, while teams bowling first have won five matches. Looking at the assistance to pacers in the initial phase and the factor of dew in night games, captains who win the toss will naturally decide to bowl first, hoping to contain the opposition and then pursue the target in the later stages under lights.