India, Aus meet today in decider
A feisty Australia will take on a resilient India in the third and series-deciding ODI, with hopes of clinching the coveted series at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru today.
Australia started the series in an emphatic fashion, hammering the hosts by 10 wickets in the series opener at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. But Virat Kohli’s team dominated Friday’s second match and won by 36 runs, with opener Shikhar Dhawan hitting 96 and KL Rahul smashing 80 off 52 balls.
India got their batting combination right in the second ODI as skipper Kohli returned to his usual number three spot while Shreyas Iyer was back at number four. Rahul, who batted at number five, also seized the opportunity in his new batting position. And with Rohit Sharma and Dhawan opening, the same order is likely to be followed today.
However, the call on the participation of both Rohit and Dhawan will be made prior to the start of today’s game as both the batsmen suffered blows in the second ODI.
Rohit, who is yet to make a mark in the series, hurt his shoulder while fielding while Dhawan was hit on the rib cage off a Pat Cummins delivery that forced him out of action when Australia batted.
“Dhawan and Sharma are progressing well. Their recovery is being closely monitored and a call on their participation in the final ODI will be taken before the match,” BCCI said in a statement.
It, however, remains to be seen if Manish Pandey, who played in place of injured Rishabh Pant on Friday, will start today or Pant will make a comeback.
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