With the series already at 2-0, Australia will play for a historic cleanup when they host India for the final ODI in Sydney. For Shubman Gill‘s new Indian side, this match has become a crucial battle of pride and a final chance to find form before the T20 series.
Led by Mitchell MarshAustralia have looked dominant, ending the series with a thrilling two-wicket win in Adelaide, built on strong performances from younger players like Matthew Short And Cooper Connolly. Now that the series has been won, they have chosen to manage their squad.
Marnus Labuschagne has been released in preparation for Sheffield Shield cricket, while NSW are all-rounders Jack Edwards earns his first international call-up. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis will also rejoin the squad after recovering from a calf injury and a left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been recalled. However, the key figure will be a leg-spinner Adam Zampawho was excellent in Adelaide with a four-wicket haul and will look to exploit a spin-friendly SCG pitch.
India’s tour was marked by a collective batting failure. While Rohit Sharma (73) and Shreyas Iyer (61) showed form in Adelaide, the team’s biggest names are struggling. Captain Gill has been dismissed for 10 and 9, but the biggest spotlight is on Virat Kohliwho has recorded consecutive ducks for the first time in his ODI career. Amid fan speculation that this could be his last ODI on Australian soil, the pressure is on for him to deliver a signature performance.
It is very likely that India will make a change in their squad. Given the SCG’s reputation for assisting spin, expect a left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav to be introduced, probably to replace the all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddywho has underperformed with both bat and ball.
Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report
The course in Sydney is expected to be stroke-friendly, allowing the ball to land nicely on the bat for stroke play. While fast bowlers may have to work hard to find movement, spinners are likely to get help and grip as the match progresses. Historically, teams batting first at this venue in ODIs have had a significant advantage, winning 96 out of 168 matches, although some analysts are predicting a chasing advantage for this particular game. This contrasts with the Test match’s traditional reputation as Australia’s most spin-friendly wicket and the recent anomaly in January 2025 when a grassy pitch heavily favored bowlers.
Also READ: Glenn Maxwell returns to Australia T20I squad for final three matches against India
Sydney Cricket Ground Stats and Records
- Total number of matches: 168
- Matches won first: 96
- Bowling won matches first: 66
- Average scores in the first innings: 224
- Average scores in the 2nd innings: 189
- Highest total recorded: 408/5 (25.5 Ov) by South Africa vs West Indies
- Lowest total recorded: 63/10 (26.3 Ov) by India vs Australia
- Highest score chased: 334/8 (49.2 Ov) of Australia vs England
- Lowest score defended: 101/9 (30 Ov) by Australia vs West Indies
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Shashi Tharoor slams Indian selectors for choosing Harshit Rana over Kuldeep Yadav in Adelaide ODI
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