Indian National Cricket team will aim to build on the confidence following their six-wicket win in Hyderabad in the second ODI against Australia at Hyderabad on March 5 (Tuesday). Meanwhile, they bounced back from a humiliating loss in the T20I series where the visitors defeated them 2-0.
Chasing a modest target of 237, the home side got off to a good start after losing Shikhar Dhawan early. Rohit Sharma and skipper Virat Kohli managed to bail India out, but three quick wickets left India at a troublesome state. However, MS Dhoni, who is having a love affair with Australia 2019 – he has scored four half-centuries against the Aussies this year, partnered Kedar Jadhav to take India over the rope with ten balls to spare.
Bowlers doing a great job
Previously, the Indian bowlers did an exceptional job to contain the Australian batsmen. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers, who was outstanding with the new ball. Although Usman Khawaja tried to pose threat but lacked support from the other end. However, Alex Carey and Nathan Coulter-Nile looked in line to take the game away, but Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah chipped in to restrict them for a small total. India’s bowling looks settled before the ICC World Cup in England and Wales. Bumrah seems rejuvenated after the break, Shami has rarely bowled better, and with Bhuvneshwar Kumar set to return from the third ODI onwards, the pacemen will be at full force.
On the batting front, KL Rahul, who impressed in the T20I may get a nod at some point of the series. Rishabh Pant also waits on the sidelines for his opportunity to make a mark ahead of the showpiece event.
Australia, meanwhile, have their own issues to address. The batsmen have failed to convert the starts in the first game which has hurt their chances. They would not like to repeat the same mistakes, and the management will want big scores from one or two batsmen. However, the return of Shaun Marsh into the playing XI will boost their chances. Marsh has been in terrific form in the last month and would love to help his side return to winning ways.
The bowlers, however, did a good job to keep Australia in the game but would some more contribution from their batters.
Date and Venue: March 5 (Tuesday), Vidarbha Cricket Association, Nagpur
Series Result:
| INDIA | AUSTRALIA |
| 1 | 0 |
Weather Forecast:
Nagpur saw some hint of rain two days before the match, but the forecast for matchday is for clear skies and temperatures peaking at 34 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature is likely to go down as the match progress making thing easy for the players. With no rain in the fore, a full 100-over action is on the cards.
Nagpur has always provided a flat deck making it easy for the batsmen. And with both sides boasting some good hitters one can expect to see a lot of runs on the scoreboard giving a hard time to the bowlers.
Here are some more details:
