Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Australia vs India 3rd ODI Preview Dream11
A decider. In a series between a side that hasn’t won an ODI series in two years against one that has won nine of its last 10 ODI assignments.
Surprised? You’re not alone.
Not surprised? You’re an optimist.
Or a pessimist, depending on which team you support.
One thing is for sure, though, is that the decider promises to be a good clash in what’s been an exciting, competitive series.
Australia were close to picking up a series win in Adelaide, where they were arguably favourites after Virat Kohli’s dismissal. Their attack on paper looked one quality ODI bowler short, and it proved to be the case, with a defeat in the final over after fighting till the end. Shaun Marsh has continued his magnificent form, which set Australia up for a big finish with the bat as was the case in Sydney, but the result didn’t go their way. Will they turn it around in Melbourne and win their first series in two years?
India, thanks to their big guns, kept the series alive. It was a fantastic run chase, which highlighted the importance of the top three, and that the middle order can add the icing on the cake. However, like Australia, India aren’t without their own concerns. Their bowling combinations were slightly off in Adelaide, and the Indians will need to be on point with their team selections and performance to finish what’s been a fine tour on an even bigger high.
Key to an Australia win
Given the numbers and how this series has panned out so far, Shaun Marsh is undoubtedly crucial to Australia’s chances. He was key in setting a platform in the first ODI, and was central to the batting effort in the second. However, Australia desperately need more from Alex Carey and the out of form Aaron Finch at the top to reduce the pressure on Australia’s 3-5, who must step up given the lack of batting nous after Glenn Maxwell. The Australians have made clear their plans to set up the innings for Stoinis and Maxwell, so Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb will also be key in producing partnerships to ensure their finishers aren’t in too early.
Also, can Australia get the better of at least two of India’s top three like they did in Sydney? Jhye Richardson will be crucial at the top with Jason Behrendhorff out with a back injury, given he has been Australia’s key wicket taker so far this series. However, just Richardson will not be enough for Australia, who need Peter Siddle and the incoming Billy Stanlake and Adam Zampa to deliver with the ball in a crunch game. Nathan Lyon has been dropped after not taking a wicket this series, in a move by the selectors that has thrown Adam Zampa into the fire. However, there is no time better than a decider for Zampa, along with Siddle, to show what they are made of in effectively supporting the frontline bowlers.
ALSO READ: My six key batting tips!
Key to an India win
India’s top three, thanks to a strong opening stand and the brilliant Virat Kohli, set the tone for a good chase in Adelaide. These three will undoubtedly be key again, not only because they have delivered two-thirds of India’s ODI runs since the start of 2017, but because of the influence they have on India’s middle order. MS Dhoni was superb at the death, fighting brilliantly in the heat, along with Dinesh Karthik who was magnificent in keeping the score moving. They were enabled the freedom thanks to a strong platform. India, to win the series, will need another collaborative batting effort, with Kohli at the forefront, better shot selection at key times from Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, as well as better strike rotation from Ambati Rayudu, if picked.
Also, just as India require a collaborative batting effort, the same applies with the ball. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami have been brilliant in building the pressure on Australia earlier, but the change bowlers have undone the good work. Mohammad Siraj struggled on debut, and could be replaced by Yuzvendra Chahal. Regardless of the personnel, though, India have a great opportunity to get the better of Australia’s top five to leave Stoinis and Maxwell between a rock and hard place. If those two need to rebuild and fail, it’s curtains for Australia.
Possible Playing 11
As mentioned, Australia have dropped Nathan Lyon, with Adam Zampa his replacement. Here is a memo to the Aussie selectors: How can a player be expected to perform if they are constantly in and out of the side? That too for a Test bowler this series? Even worse, thrown into a decider expected to deliver right away? It’s asking a lot for Adam Zampa to come in and fire right away, but that’s the task required.
Australia Possible Playing 11: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. Alex Carey (wk) 3. Usman Khawaja, 4. Shaun Marsh, 5. Peter Handscomb, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Glenn Maxwell, 8. Adam Zampa, 9. Jhye Richardson, 10. Peter Siddle, 11. Billy Stanlake
The question for India is who supports their main four bowlers. Their best option is Yuzvendra Chahal, given Khaleel Ahmed and Mohammad Siraj have both struggled to stem the scoring this series. Also, Vijay Shankar or Kedar Jadhav are a chance of playing, which means Ambati Rayudu could miss out.
India Possible Playing 11: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. Ambati Rayudu/Vijay Shankar, 5. MS Dhoni (wk), 6. Dinesh Karthik, 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Mohammed Shami, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal
Pitch and conditions
Weather is expected to be much cooler in Melbourne than in other parts of Australia, where there is a continued heatwave. A high of 27 degrees is expected, and the pitch is tipped to provide some assistance for the seamers with the new ball.
Dream11 Prediction
- MS Dhoni has outplayed Alex Carey, and has proven to be an important foil in India’s middle order this series.
- Shaun Marsh has four centuries in his last eight ODIs, and is in fine form. Peter Handscomb looked good in Adelaide, before lazily getting stumped. He offers good value.
- Rohit Sharma has a superb record at the MCG, scoring 341 runs in six matches with two centuries. Shikhar Dhawan also has a fine record at MCG, scoring 237 runs in four matches, including a fine century against South Africa in the 2015 World Cup.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar is all over Aaron Finch right now. Finch, despite scoring a century in his last ODI at the MCG, is a risky pick now given his form. He has scored 228 runs at 15.20 across all formats since the beginning of the Australian international season.
- Kuldeep Yadav strikes at 65 balls per wicket in final games of an ODI series. Do teams pick him better later? Perhaps, but the large MCG ground could suit him. Yuzvendra Chahal is also an option, but has a lack of cricket under his belt, as well as just 13 wickets in his last 11 ODIs at 37.84.
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Stats and Facts
- Australia haven’t won an ODI series since beating Pakistan 4-1 in 2016.
- India have won nine of their last 10 ODI assignments.
- Australia have won their last three ODIs against India at the MCG.
Prediction
This series deserves a good finale.
Will Australia or India lift the trophy?
I think India will win as they are just ahead of Australia in a few key areas, especially the top order. India to win 2-1.
Thanks for reading!
PS I have partnered with the great team at onlinecricstore.com
- Purchase any cricket item and get a special discount with my name code: CHARBEL5
- Hope you enjoy my cricket tips on the OnlineCricStore Blog!
Australia vs India 3rd ODI Preview Dream11