Key Points
- Virat Kohli needs just 54 runs to overtake Kumar Sangakkara and move into second place on the all-time ODI runs list
- India has lost the toss a record 17 times in a row in ODIs dating back to the 2023 World Cup final
- Australia has a commanding 16-2 (with one no result) record against India at the SCG, with India’s only victories at the venue coming in 2008 and 2016
- India has never been swept in a bilateral ODI series against Australia, adding extra motivation for the visitors to avoid a clean sweep
ISLAMABAD: Australia will be gunning for a historic clean sweep against India when the two teams meet in the third and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday. The hosts have already clinched the series with a hard-fought two-wicket victory in Adelaide, putting them 2-0 up in the three-match series. With the final ODI now a dead rubber, the focus shifts to whether India can avert a rare 3-0 series whitewash.
Can India Avoid a Clean Sweep?
Despite the rivalry and high expectations surrounding this series, India has struggled to find form, especially after being outplayed in the second ODI. Their fightback in Adelaide came too late, with Australia securing the win despite some anxious moments in the final overs.
India’s top-order, in particular, has come under scrutiny. Shubman Gill, leading the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma for the first two ODIs, has yet to fire as a captain in the format, registering just 10 and 9 in the opening matches. His leadership is now under the microscope, especially as the team faces the prospect of its first-ever 3-0 ODI series defeat to Australia.
The absence of Hardik Pandya has further hampered India’s balance, and the lack of depth in the middle order has been evident. Meanwhile, Australia has shown strong form, with several fringe players like Matt Short and Cooper Connolly making significant contributions. The team’s rejuvenation, following the retirements of stalwarts Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell, has put them in a strong position to complete a historic series sweep.
Key Players in the Spotlight
Matt Renshaw has impressed in his limited opportunities so far, showcasing composure and valuable contributions during Australia’s successful run chase in Adelaide. Despite not converting his starts into a big score, Renshaw’s consistency under pressure has made him a key figure in the ongoing series. With Australia looking to finalize their batting order ahead of the upcoming Ashes series, Renshaw’s performances are making a compelling case for his inclusion in the longer format.
For India, much of the attention will be on Shubman Gill, whose captaincy is under scrutiny after a tough start. His inability to anchor the innings and the early fall of key wickets has left the team under pressure. The returns of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have not had the desired impact, with Kohli struggling for form, bagging two consecutive ducks for the first time in his illustrious career. India’s top order has faced a relentless challenge from Josh Hazlewood, who has been the standout bowler for Australia, and with the series hanging in the balance, Gill needs to lead from the front if India are to avoid a humiliating clean sweep.
Australia Likely to Rotate Players
With the series already decided, Australia may opt to rest some of their key players for the final ODI. Star pacers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc could be given a break, with Nathan Ellis and Jack Edwards potential inclusions. Edwards, who has been in strong form with Australia A in India, could get his first ODI appearance, while Ellis is a likely candidate after his solid showing in the first ODI.
India, on the other hand, will be looking to make changes after the loss in Adelaide. The bowling attack, particularly the spinners, has been underwhelming, and there is debate about whether left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav should be included. Allrounder Washington Sundar’s lack of impact with the bat and Prasidh Krishna’s expensive bowling could also see them dropped for fresh faces in the final ODI.
Pitch and Conditions
Clear skies and pleasant weather are expected for the match in Sydney. While the SCG’s pitch has not favoured spinners as much in recent years, they have still played a crucial role, particularly on flatter surfaces. Australia’s batters have historically excelled here, with the team on a six-match ODI winning streak at the ground. India will need to counter this advantage if they are to salvage some pride from the series.
