NEW DELHI: India are poised to make historical past as they set their sights on a outstanding whitewash of Australia within the third and remaining One Day International (ODI) match, scheduled for Wednesday. With the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup simply across the nook, Team India goals to conclude their preparations in grand model.
Never earlier than has India achieved a whitewash towards the formidable Australian cricket workforce within the ODI format.Remarkably, the identical holds true for Australia relating to going through India, each at dwelling and away, whatever the variety of matches contested in a collection.
The Indian workforce, regardless of lacking a few of its high gamers and experimenting with numerous enjoying combos to make sure each squad member beneficial properties priceless match expertise, has discovered itself in a commanding place with three consecutive ODI wins on the horizon.Should India handle to safe a 3-0 victory within the collection, it will not solely be a historic achievement but additionally present them with a considerable benefit over the five-time world champions, Australia. The two groups are scheduled to satisfy once more in Chennai on October 8 for his or her World Cup opener, and India’s potential clear sweep would undoubtedly give them a psychological edge.
The first two ODIs witnessed India’s dominance, at the same time as each groups made quite a few modifications to protect their star gamers’ freshness and supply alternatives to fringe squad members. Notably, India’s younger sensation Shubman Gill, who has amassed a powerful 1,230 runs within the ODI format this World Cup yr, has been rested for the ultimate ODI. His absence is anticipated to be felt keenly.
However, the return of batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, together with the in-form Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya from a quick relaxation, is anticipated. KL Rahul, who led the workforce admirably in Rohit’s absence, has additionally made essential contributions with the bat and behind the stumps.
India’s resurgence has been characterised by the emergence of skills reminiscent of Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, who’ve bolstered the squad’s depth.

In a lift for India, Shreyas Iyer overcame early struggles to notch a century, strengthening his place within the center order. The impeccable type of Rahul and the return of Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier bowler, after a prolonged damage lay-off, add to the workforce’s confidence.
Meanwhile, the skilled Ravichandran Ashwin seeks to make his presence rely within the squad, regardless of competitors from the injured Axar Patel.
On the opposite hand, Australia discover themselves in a precarious place, having suffered consecutive defeats within the collection. A couple of months in the past, the identical Australian aspect had prevailed 2-1 over India, largely as a consequence of Mitchell Starc‘s brilliance with the ball.
With the World Cup on the horizon, Australia could also be tempted to subject their most popular bowling assault, that includes Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. However, their batting lineup has lacked firepower, with Travis Head struggling on the high and Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne enduring a difficult yr in Indian situations.
Squads:
India: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar.
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Short, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
Time: 1:30pm IST.
(With inputs from PTI)