The decider of the three-match ODI series between India and Australia will be played at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Australia had outplayed India in the second ODI as they had obliterated them by 10 wickets with 234 balls to spare.
It was a proper hammering and India would want to return to its best. The hosts were folded for 117 runs and they will have to turn the tables with the bat. Mitchell Starc was the chief destroyer of the Indian innings as the veteran pacer took his ninth five-wicket haul.
India’s batting has come under the scanner in the ongoing series as the top and middle order has failed to get going. Indian batters had played some reckless shots and there must have been a discussion in the dressing room to address the problem. Suryakumar Yadav has been dismissed for golden ducks in both matches and the pressure is piling on him.
Meanwhile, it will be interesting to note India’s playing XI as Axar Patel had replaced Shardul Thakur in the second game. While Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj have done a good job, the spinners will have to put a lid on the scoring rate in the middle overs.
On the other hand, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh had chased down the target in a hurry at Vizag and it will be interesting to note if David Warner gets a game.
Match Prediction: With momentum on their side, Australia will start as favorites against India.
Australia
Steve Smith (c) Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, David Warner.
India
Rohit Sharma (c), Yuzvendra Chahal, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur, Umran Malik, Jaydev Unadkat, Washington Sundar, Suryakumar Yadav.
