IND vs AUS: 3rd ODI Review – Aussies stage a comeback to avoid whitewash

India and Australia faced off in the third ODI of their three-match series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. Opening batter David Warner and Mitchell Marsh provided a strong start for their team. They put up 78 runs for the first wicket before Warner was dismissed by Prasidh Krishna in the ninth over.

Steven Smith then joined Marsh and together they formed an impressive partnership, adding 137 runs for the second wicket. Australia finished their innings with a score of 352 for the loss of seven wickets in 50 overs. Warner scored 56, Marsh 96, while Smith and Labuschagne contributed 74 and 72 respectively. Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, taking three wickets to recover from an expensive start.

In response to the target, India had a promising start with Rohit Sharma displaying his vintage form. However, after losing their first wicket at 74, Rohit and Virat Kohli were both dismissed by Glenn Maxwell, causing India to fall behind in the game. Rohit scored 81 and Kohli got 56. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul attempted to accelerate the scoring rate. But they were also dismissed, leading to India’s eventual loss in the match by 66 runs.

Top Performers of the Match

Mitchell Marsh (96 of 84): On a pitch that looked quite supportive for the batters, opener Marsh made full use of it from the very first ball. He looked in all control and showcased his prowess. He smashed 13 fours and three sixes in his brilliant 96 before being dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav.

Glen Maxwell (4/40, 10 overs): Indian team might have prepared for the Aussies’ quicks, but Maxwell came in as an out-of-syllabus question. He took the wickets of Sundar, Rohit, Kohli, and Shreyas and totally rattled the Indian batting order. Maxwell was also adjudged as the Player of the Match.

What next?

The next match between these two teams will take place on October 8 in the highly anticipated World Cup 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai