The sydney cricket ground

While India has had a slightly better record over the last 24 months in ODIs against Australia, winning seven of the last 12 matches between the two sides, the hosts begin favorites in the first match of the three-game ODI series that begins at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.

India, apart from missing star opening batsman Rohit Sharma, is also short on bowling options due to the absence of all-rounders. Australia, on the other hand, has plenty of all-rounders to choose from and that gives them options with the bat and ball.