Key battles in India vs Australia Cricket World Cup clash

India and Australia clash in the standout game of the World Cup so far on Sunday, with Virat Kohli's men desperate to lay down a marker against the five-time champions. 

In the past five editions of the tournament, India are the only team to have denied the Australians the trophy, on home soil in 2011. 

Virat Kohli is the world's top-ranked batsman in one-day internationals and Tests while Mitchell Starc is Australia's left-arm pace spearhead. 

Kohli was out for just 18 in India's opening game in Southampton but averages more than 53 against Australia in ODIs.

Starc, who took five wickets in Australia's win over the West Indies, will be handed the responsibility of taking early wickets, with Kohli the prized scalp.

"When he's got his rhythm and his form is good, he's definitely the best around -- I think that is without question," said former Australia captain Allan Border, who led the team to their 1987 World Cup triumph.

David Warner, the swashbuckling Australian opener has returned from his ball-tampering ban in style.

After topping the run charts in the Indian Premier League, Warner smashed an unbeaten 89 in Australia's opening World Cup win over Afghanistan. 

But the left-handed batsman will be up against an Indian paceman who tops the ODI bowling rankings, with 87 wickets in 50 matches. 

Bumrah set the tone for India's win against South Africa on Wednesday with his two early strikes.

South African opener Hashim Amla called him "one hell of a bowler" after the 25-year-old quick sent the veteran batsman packing for six on a cloudy Southampton morning.

Adam Zampa is no Shane Warne but is expected to be Australia's key spin hope against India.

Fifteen of the leg-spinner's 64 ODI wickets have come against India since his debut in 2016 and variations including the googly and the straight ball make up for his lack of prodigious turn. 

His Indian counterpart, Yuzvendra Chahal, is seen as Kohli's go-to spinner along with spin partner Kuldeep Yadav. 

Chahal returned figures of 4-51 against South Africa and the former chess player will be looking to plot Australia's downfall. 

"Chess has taught me patience and planning. When you play chess you normally plan 15 to 16 moves in advance," Chahal said.

Hardik Pandya, the hard-hitting Indian all-rounder will be clashing against Australia's Glenn Maxwell.

Maxwell is not just a destructive batsman for Australia, but his handy off-spin helps get overs out of the way in the middle of the innings. 

Hardik, who has entered the World Cup on the back of a sensational performance in IPL 2019, smashed the winning runs against South Africa in India's opening clash.

He will be eager to play a much bigger role in India's upcoming clash versus Australia, as he might get a chance to bat early if India crumble against the mighty Australian bowling attack.

While Australia have a solid number four batsman, India's number four spot has remained under speculations.

Steve Smith has been performing consistently since his return in the Australian squad after the sandpaper gate fiasco.

India's number four spot has been the weak link in the otherwise rock-steady team, with all players having their roles defined.

KL Rahul was picked as the number four for India after he hit a ton during the warm-up game against Bangladesh.

Rahul, under immense pressure to justify his selection, made 26 runs during the opening clash against South Africa.

It will be a test for Rahul against Australia as if he fails, determined Vijay Shankar would be ready to take his place in the squad.