India vs Australia, third ODI: Preview, Dream XI and more
What's the story
The Indian cricket team will be wanting to continue with their form in ODI cricket and gain solidity against Australia in the third encounter of the five-match series on Friday. Virat Kohli's side leads the series 2-0 at the moment and a victory could help them come out on top. There is plenty at stake with Australia being in a must-win scenario. Here's more.
Openers
KL Rahul may need to wait once again
India's famed openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma misfired in the first two ODIs and the management will be tempted to give the two another outing. This will see KL Rahul sit on the bench once again. The idea was to give the latter maximum exposure with the 2019 World Cup in mind. But that hasn't happened in the ongoing series so far.
Ambati Rayudu
Rayudu the focus ahead of third ODI
Ambati Rayudu failed to capitalize in both the matches so far (13 and 18). The management will be a bit concerned at the moment. India are banking upon Rayudu for the crucial number four position in the batting line-up. Rayudu needs a solid innings to get that confidence riding high. It's also an opportunity for Kedar Jadhav and MS Dhoni to build on.
Positive factors
Plenty of positives for India to build upon
India have been excellent with the ball and that will please Kohli. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav have been excellent. Another big positive is the impact of the all-rounders. Ravindra Jadeja has been solid on the field and has contained the batsmen. Vijay Shankar has shown his nerves. India could be tempted to select both alongside Hardik Pandya for the World Cup.
Aussies
Australia need Finch to come out strong
Australia's poor form in ODIs has continued. That's a worry ahead of the coveted World Cup starting from May 30 onwards. They should have seen the match through in Nagpur, but Aaron Finch's side couldn't seal the crucial moments. Finch showed flashes of form and the visitors need their skipper to fire a match-winning innings. Australia have the desired experience in their ranks.
Dream XI
IND vs AUS: Here's our choice of the Dream XI
Rohit Sharma opens the innings alongside Kohli, who gets the captaincy nod. The two stalwarts are followed by Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb and wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni. Glenn Maxwell, Kedar Jadhav and Vijay Shankar are the three all-rounders. Kuldeep Yadav is the lone main spinner. The pace department sees Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain) and Pat Cummins adds the experience and solidity.
Info
Timing, TV listing and India's performances at this venue
The third ODI between the two sides will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. The match is set to start at 1:30 PM IST on Friday. One can stream the match live on Hotstar. The match will be played at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi. India have played four ODIs here and the tally reads: W 2, L 1, N/R 1.