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Cricket 2021: Aussies hope to continue record streak in ODI series against India

Russell GouldNCA NewsWire
Australia and India will play three ODIs this week. Matthew Forrest
Camera IconAustralia and India will play three ODIs this week. Matthew Forrest Credit: News Regional Media

Australia is currently on a world record unbeaten run in one-day internationals, but even captain Meg Lanning can’t hide her nerves ahead of the opening international of the summer on Tuesday.

Lanning’s side has won 24-straight matches, but will take on the Indians in Mackay off a long break that stretches back to April, when they took down New Zealand to set the new world mark.

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The other element thrown into the mix ahead of their resumption was 14-days’ hard quarantine for Lanning and other key members of the squad who flew to Queensland from Victoria and NSW.

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They weren’t allowed out to train and although they have been out for over a week, and have played intra-squad warm-up matches, as well as one against the tourists last weekend, Lanning conceded only game day would determine how ready the players are.

Australia and India will play three ODIs this week. Matthew Forrest
Camera IconAustralia and India will play three ODIs this week. Matthew Forrest Credit: News Regional Media

“First game of the summer, there’s always a few nerves. It feels like it’s been a long off-season,” Lanning said on Monday.

“We’ve prepared as well as we could have. In an ideal world we probably would do it differently, but that’s just the way it is.

“There were a few nervous medical people (after the quarantine period) but everyone’s pulled up really well.

“We’ve been able to adapt really well; over the last 18 months especially we’ve had a little bit of practice, and this time is no different.”

Cricket Australia Editorial Shoot
Camera IconLanning and the Aussies will travel to the Gold Coast once the ODIs have wrapped up. Jono Searle / Getty Images Credit: Supplied

The multi-format series will morph from one to the other quickly, with three one-dayers, then a pink-ball Test and finally three Twenty20s, all to be played in Queensland.

Unknowns extend to the makeup of Australia’s bowling attack, with stars Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen absent from the line-up, as is injured strike bowler Tayla Vlaeminck.

There are 18 players available for selection and 19-year-old fast bowler Stella Campbell could make her international debut as early as Tuesday.

“We’re still discussing what the final team will be, she’s certainly in the mix,” Lanning said.

“It’s a busy schedule with lots of games in a short period of time. It’s a great opportunity for our squad to share the load and see some new players in action.”

Australia and India haven’t clashed since their unforgettable T20 World Cup final at the MCG in 2020, and without any games since April, the Aussies are likely to be rustier than the tourists, who toured England earlier this year.

“It’s been a long time since we played them and both teams have evolved,” Lanning said.

“We haven’t played much cricket at all lately, they’ve played a bit.

“We feel very lucky and privileged to have the opportunity to open the summer.”

Originally published as Cricket 2021: Aussies hope to continue record streak in ODI series against India

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