IND vs AUS: 3rd ODI Preview – Final preparation chance ahead of the WC

Australia will be looking forward to a consolation win after losing the first two matches of the three-match ODI series against India when they step out in Rajkot on September 27. In the absence of some of their star players, the young brigade failed to live up to their potential and that’s a worrying sign ahead of the ODI World Cup. However, the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell are likely to make their return in the final ODI and that should give the team some much-needed confidence.

For India, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be making their return to the squad. Shubman Gill, who played both the games so far, has been released ahead of the third game while Hardik Pandya will miss out due to personal reasons. Furthermore, Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Shami have also been rested for the final game. In Gill’s absence, Ishan Kishan is expected to open alongside skipper Rohit. Meanwhile, R Ashwin, who picked up three wickets in Indore, may make room for the returning Kuldeep Yadav. However, the team management may end up giving another opportunity to Ashwin to cement his place in the World Cup.

Meanwhile, a lot of focus will once again be on Shreyas Iyer. He hit a cracking century in the last match but eventually suffered a wrist injury. BCCI is yet to share an update on the same and hence, it will be interesting to see his progress in the third ODI.

Pitch Conditions:

The surface in Rajkot is likely to favour the spinners. Anything over 300 runs will be ideal while bowling first should be the ideal choice of the skipper winning the toss.

Venue details: Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot

Last ODI match at the venue: India vs Australia, 2020, | Result: India won by 36 runs

Probable playing XI for India vs Australia clash:

India

India are set to make a few changes as the likes of Rohit and Kohli will be making their return to the squad. Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the second game due to personal reasons, is also set to return at the expense of the rested Mohammad Shami,.

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Australia

The big boys are slated to make their return and Australia will be aiming to play a full-strength squad ahead of they begin their World Cup campaign.

Probable XI: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood