India and Australia lock horns once again, aiming to test the bench-strength in the highly anticipated 3rd ODI at Rajkot. In the previous clash, Team India carried forward their triumphant streak from the 1st ODI, securing a series win with a comprehensive 99-run victory over the Aussies.
Opting to field first, Australia got the early breakthrough of Ruturaj Gaikwad, but after that what followed was a carnage by Indian batsmen. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer both notched up centuries to set the foundation for a big score and then KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Surya Kumar Yadav scored with an excellent strike rate to finish the innings on a high note. India scored 399 in their 1st innings.
The bowlers, including Ravichandran Ashwin, Prasidh Krishna, and Ravindra Jadeja, delivered brilliant performances, contributing to the team’s success.
With help of these performances Australia were reduced to 217 and saw India seal the series with a comprehensive win. David Warner and Sean Abbot were the only batsmen who contributed for the Aussies significantly.
THE VENUE FOR THE 3RD ODI
The 3rd and the Final ODI will be played at the Khanderi Cricket Stadium, Rajkot.
The ball comes on nicely to the bat for the first half of the innings, and there are runs for the taking. By the middle overs, the pitch will slow down a little and the ball is expected to grip the surface a little. This is where the spinners will come on.
Average 1st Innings Score: 311
Average 2nd Innings Score: 290
TEAM PREVIEW
INDIA
In the upcoming third ODI, India will welcome back key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav, who are expected to feature in the main eleven.
In the previous game Shreyas Iyer finally returned to form as he scored a brilliant century. He will be keen to continue his great form.
KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav also continued their great form as they scored quickfire fifities. Both will be keen to continue their form as well. Reports Suggest Shubman Gill and Shardul Thakur will be rested for the 3rd ODI
Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s standout bowler from the previous match, is anticipated to form a formidable bowling partnership with the in-form Kuldeep Yadav. Bowling department will be boosted with the return of Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj is also likely to be in the playing XI
EXPECTED XI OF INDIA v AUSTRALIA
Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
AUSTRALIA
Australia’s recent ODI performances have been underwhelming, particularly due to middle-order collapses.
Australia is looking for stronger contributions from Steven Smith, Alex Carey, and Cameron Green in the final ODI.
Glenn Maxwell’s return to the Australian Side adds intrigue, and David Warner’s consistent form as an opener adds to Australia’s batting prospects.
The inclusion of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in the playing eleven will bolster Australia’s bowling attack for the crucial match.
EXPECTED XI OF AUSTRALIA v INDIA:
Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (wk), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc
PREDICTION FOR THE MATCH
For the third and final ODI between India and Australia, both teams are expected to be at near full strength. India will be on a high and will start as favorites for the game. You can, however, never count Australia out. We are expecting them to put up a much stiffer fight in the last match.
Prediction: Australia to just edge out India in a thriller.