New Delhi:
The action moves to Ranchi as India and Australia continue their fierce rivalry between them. It the Nagpur One-Day is anything to go by, the visitors will definitely come hard at India given that the action went down the wire and it was due to Vijay Shankar and Jasprit Bumrah that the hosts managed to steal an eight-run win from nowhere. It will be interesting to see the way pitch will play at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) and if the men-in-yellow can take the redemption.
Aaron Finch, the Australian skipper has finally found his feet moving in Nagpur but would be kicking himself for not being able to make the start into a big score. However, the bowlers have done a decent job for Australia in both the encounters and would look to continue with that mindset.
For India, Virat Kohli was once again the lone survivor and others around him played a few cameos to get India’s total to 250 in the last game; which eventually turned out to be a winning score. However, going into the third game, the likes of Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu will look to fire.
Team Combination
It’s almost certain that India will tinker with their opening combination with KL Rahul replacing Shikhar Dhawan, who apparently is out of form. Virat Kohli will definitely occupy the third spot, followed by Ambati Rayudu.
It is expected that Kedar Jadhav and MS Dhoni will come at number five and six respectively. However, since Ranchi will offer a turning track, Yuzvendra Chahal may play ahead of Ravindra Jadeja. In the lower order, it is expected that Virat Kohli and team management will give rest to either of Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah and bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar into the setup.
Probable XI
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami / Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
For Australia, two in-form openers Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja will play in the eleven. The men-in-yellow will still continue with Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, and Peter Handscomb in the middle order.
The bowling has always been a stronger suit for the Men in Yellow. Pat Cummins and Nathan Coulter-Nile will take the new ball while Lyon and Zampa are expected to share the spin duties.
Probable XI
Aaron Finch (c), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa.
Who will win?
Though it’s certain that India will make a few changes in their playing eleven, it’s highly unlikely that Australia will register their first win of the ODI series. With this, it’s almost certain that India will take an unassailable lead in the five-match ODI series.
Pitch and Ground
In the scorching heat, it is expected that the pitch will break down as the match will progress. In these circumstances, the spin will play a vital role and the side who play spin better will have a better chance to win. Further, the team which will win the toss will look to have a bat first as chasing under lights will be tougher.
Stadium and Time
Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) Stadium, Ranchi.
The match starts at 1:30 pm (IST)
