Australia will be eager to take some pride back from India when they line up opposite the sub-continent nation in the first of three ODIs this afternoon. Plenty has been made of the make-up of this Australian side, but the inclusion of players like Glenn Maxwell has the potential to really turn things around for the green and gold. India has elected to rest the world’s best 50 over bowler Jasprit Bumrah and I think that the Aussies can capitalise and draw first blood.
Alongside the Kings, the Bullets have been the big improvers this season and while they were absolutely flogged by the Taipans in the Round 12 opener, they responded with a big win over Melbourne United on Sunday. That result has surely refilled their sails and they will be confident of recording another win over the inconsistent 36ers in Adelaide this afternoon.
The Wellington Phoenix are arguably the formed team of the A-League currently and they’re offered a soft kill in the form of the last-placed Mariners this afternoon. The Mariners are anchored to the bottom of the field and haven’t fired a shot in week; recording just two draws through their eleven matches so far. If the Phoenix carry their condition into this match, this should be a formality for the home side.
Leicester have been in decent form of late and they represent terrific value to continue a winning run past cellar dwellers Southampton tonight. It will take a big effort from the Saints to compete effectively away from home and they enter this one winless through their three most-recent league fixtures.