India vs Australia 1st ODI Tips - India backed to win series opener

Australia have won three of their last five ODIs against India, including the last two. They met in an ODI series earlier this year which was won by the Aussies.

India will be confident coming into this home series after winning the Asia Cup. With the World Cup around the corner, they will want to stamp their authority as favourites now.

Despite losing to Bangladesh during the Asia Cup, India beat both Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In the final, which was reduced to six overs due to rain, India easily won.

Expect India to put out their strongest side for this contest.

Australia will be somewhat concerned about their ODI form after the series defeat in South Africa.

The Aussies cruised to a 2-0 lead, only for South Africa to dominate the last three games to take the series 3-2. However, that said, this series will be more important as they are in World Cup conditions. 

How the Aussies play in India will be a far greater tell as to where they are. They did beat India in India earlier this year so confidence should be high.

One would expect Australia to still tamper with their side but to a lesser extent as they settle on World Cup combinations.