AUS vs IND 3rd ODI 2023: In a riveting encounter, Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, won the toss and elected to bat first against India in the highly anticipated 3rd ODI at Rajkot’s SCA Stadium. This clash marks the culmination of the series, a final test for both teams before their crucial World Cup campaigns.
The return of key players adds an extra layer of excitement to this showdown. For Australia, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell make their comeback, bringing a new level of dynamism to their lineup. Young talent Tanveer Sangha is set for his ODI debut, injecting fresh energy into the team.
India, on the other hand, eagerly welcomes back the experienced duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Their presence brings a sense of stability and strategic prowess. However, the absence of players like Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur, and Hardik Pandya due to various reasons poses a challenge.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in the playing XI of AUS vs IND becomes a pivotal point of discussion. The veteran off-spinner has demonstrated exceptional form, striving for a spot in India’s World Cup squad. His fate hangs in the balance, contingent upon Axar Patel’s fitness.
This match, often referred to as a “consequential inconsequential ODI,” holds immense importance as it fine-tunes team line-ups and combinations before the World Cup. With India eyeing a potential clean sweep against Australia, the stakes are high. The cricketing world awaits an electrifying clash that will set the tone for the grandest spectacle in cricket, the World Cup.