The first match of the ODI tri-series will see Australia go head-to-head with England

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Cricket Australia have confirmed that the first two games of the ODI tri-series, which involves Australia, India and England, will be swapped.

This means that the tri-series will start with Australia and England squaring off against each other in Sydney on January 16.

India’s first tri-series match will therefore be against the Baggy Greens on January 18 in Melbourne.

“This change was required to provide the Indian players appropriate recovery time after the tour match which follows the Commonwealth Bank Sydney Test in the lead up to their first Carlton Mid ODI tri-series match,” Cricket Australia said in a release. “We can confirm the traditional Prime Minister’s XI match against England at the Manuka Oval remains unchanged, and will be played on 14 January, 2015.

“England will now play a Tour match against an ACT XI on 12 January, 2015 at Manuka Oval, which was previously to be against India at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney. India will instead play a Tour match with the date and venue to be announced soon.”

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland added: “In light of recent scheduling changes, we have attempted to minimise the impact on the series. We appreciate the patience of our fans as we continue to work through the impacts of these changes. At the same time, we look forward to an exciting Carlton Mid ODI tri-series with England and India, which will be a fitting lead-in to the ICC Cricket World Cup commencing in February.”