Based on two superlative batting performance Australia have already won the ODI series and will host the Indians at the Manuka Oval in Canberra hoping for a whitewash.
Indian bowlers were thrashed badly in both the matches conceding more than 750 runs and hence despite two 300 plus efforts from the batsmen they were on the losing side convincingly. They would like to change it on a different surface and like to get a consolation win to get some momentum before the start of the T20 International series.
All the Aussie batsmen are in great nick and hence a couple of injury blows should not hamper them much. After Marcus Stoinis, David Warner is also out of the white-ball leg of the series after suffering from a groin strain. It would have some impact as they have to bring a new opener to partner Aaron Finch and Matthew Wade can get this role unless they decide to open with Steve Smith.
Source: Twitter (ICC)
Smith is in destructive form and already scored a couple of centuries in the series. Stopping him would be the biggest challenge for Indians and failing to do so may result in another ton from this very special player. It looks like Glenn Maxwell has put his IPL failure behind and batting superbly in the ODI series. Another quickfire knock from him can again push them to a 300 plus score if batting first.
Adam Zampa continued his good show and currently sitting at the top of the wicket-takers list for this series with six wickets. With 16 wickets in the last five matches, Zampa is proving to be one of their big weapons. Pat Cummins is rested for the rest of the ODI and T20Is and it will be a good opportunity for Andrew Tye and Sean Abbott to come into the eleven and provide good support to Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Lots of Indian batsmen got starts in the last two matches but could not play the dominating innings like their Australian counterparts. As a result, they are yet to score a century against the three already scored by the Australians. Hardik Pandya’s 90 is the highest for them. Virat Kohli also scored 89 in the second ODI but would like to reach three figures to help his team’s cause and lead the way. Other senior players like Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul would like to make a more telling effect for their team.
A good effort from KL Rahul chasing a biggie! #indiatourofaustralia #TeamIndia #Rahul #AUSvsIND #cricketnews pic.twitter.com/AdmTKkG8Ax
— Cricket News (@cricketnews_com) November 29, 2020
The bowling was a disaster for team India as all their bowlers leaking runs aplenty. Mohammed Shami looked good in patches but all their other frontline bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Navdeep Saini failed to make a mark. They should look to bring Thangarasu Natarajan or Shardul Thakur for the final match of the series. Also, Pandya bowling a few overs will give them a welcome relief and they would look for him to slowly get his full fitness back to be ready to bowl 10 overs if required.
Key Players
Australia
Steve Smith
With two centuries in the series already Steve Smith should look to make it a hat-trick of hundreds against the hapless Indian bowlers.
Adam Zampa
A great wicket-taking option for the Aussies in recent times is what Adam Zampa has proved out to be. He would look to continue his great form and finish the series on a good note.
India
Virat Kohli
The Indian captain showed his class in the second ODI and would like to continue his form to deliver a masterclass in the last match of the series.
#AUSvsIND
It's a special game for Captain Kohli! pic.twitter.com/ROOsTVtfKF— Cricket News (@cricketnews_com) November 29, 2020
Hardik Pandya
Played a brilliant innings in the first ODI and looked solid in the second. Since Hardik Pandya has started bowling again, he can be an effective contributor in both disciplines.
Predicted XIs
Australia
Aaron Finch (C), Matthew Wade, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (WK), Andrew Tye/ Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
India
Mayank Agarwal, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah