IND vs AUS: 3rd ODI Preview – A tantalising finish on the cards

The ongoing three-match series between India and Australia is currently levelled 1-1 as the visitors bounced back in a brilliant manner to win the second game. Hence, the upcoming clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will decide who takes the ODI series.

The Men in Blue are coming off a humiliating defeat from their previous game and would seriously want to make changes to their playing combination. Australia, on the other hand, would likely go ahead with the same combination to carry the winning momentum.

The two concluded games have been low-scoring ones. India restricted Australia to 188 in the first and chased down 61 balls to spare and five wickets in hand. The Aussies then plotted a perfect revenge and took India down within just 26 overs for just 117 runs before chasing the target in 11 overs to hand India a massive 10-wicket defeat.

The upcoming game would also be India’s last international fixture before the start of the Indian Premier League and the hosts would want to clinch the series to end the home season on a high.

Pitch and conditions

The surface at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is dubbed as pace-friendly, which will be beneficial for both sides given their fast-bowling lineup. But as the pitch wears out, the spin will come into play. The venue has hosted 22 ODI games and the average has been less than 250 in both innings, proving that batters will not get much assistance. The venue witnessed rain just a couple of days before the match and hence, the weather might play a role.

Venue details: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Last ODI match at the venue: IND- 287/8 (50 overs) | WI- 291/2 (47.5 overs)

Here is the probable playing XI for India vs Australia clash:

India:

Rohit Sharma’s return to the side in the previous game led to Ishan Kishan being benched. India might be tempted to bring in Washington Sundar into the side as the all-rounder has in-depth knowledge of the Chennai pitch. Otherwise, no changes are expected.

Australia:

The visitors looked in great touch in the previous game as they worked on the flaws and improved massively which led to them getting a victory. Hence, they would continue with the same XI.