Australia managed to keep the 5 match ODI series against India alive when they registered a sensational 4 wickets victory in the 4th ODI courtesy a special knock from Ashton Turner and a match-winning century from Peter Handscomb. They chased down a record target of 359 to level the series 2-2.
None would have given them a chance especially after losing the first two matches. However, the Aussies have bounced back strongly and are on the verge of winning an ODI series in Indian conditions.
The bowling department needs to get their act right and bowl better in the series decider. With the match less than 24 hours to start, let us have a look at the Predicted XI of the Australian team.
Aaron Finch
Finch made a good comeback in the 3rd with a fluent 93. But in the previous match he was castled by a terrific inswinging delivery from Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Hence the series decider will be a crucial encounter for Finch. He hasn’t been in form and scoring runs will be very important for the skipper of the side.
Usman Khawaja
The southpaw has looked in tremendous touch all through the series. He hasn’t managed to get the desired runs at a brisk rate. Nonetheless, he has provided Australia with solid starts in most of the matches. Khawaja went onto score his maiden ODI century in the 3rd ODI in Ranchi which set the foundation for an Australian victory.
Shaun Marsh
The stylish left-handed batsmen have been one of the prolific run scorers for Australia in the 50 overs format. However making a return in the previous match, Marsh couldn’t quite get going and was castled by a full-length delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. He will look to finish the series with some runs under his belt.
Peter Handscomb
The champion middle-order batsman scored a sensational match-winning century in the previous ODI. It was a world class knock from Handscomb as he found the gaps to perfection and kept the scoreboard ticking. Another good knock might just be around the corner.
Glenn Maxwell
Over the years he has been an asset for Australia especially in the limited overs format. In the T20I series, he showed why he is one of the feared batsmen in world cricket when he smashed a match-winning century in the opening clash. He has also looked in good touch all through the series.
Ashton Turner
What an innings it turned out to be from Ashton Turner who was playing just in his 2nd ODI. The way he struck the ball all around the park especially in his 2nd game proved what mettle he is made of. He remained unbeaten on 84 of 45 deliveries to help Australia chase down 359 with 13 balls to spare. Turner struck 5 fours and 6 sixes during his knock.
Alex Carey
The wicket-keeper batsman also played a good hand in the previous encounter and shared a match-winning partnership with Turner. He score 21 of 16 deliveries and struck the boundary twice. He has been a useful addition in the Australia squad and should look for another good day in the office.
Pat Cummins
The fast bowler has been the most successful Australian fast bowler in the series so far. During the 2nd ODI, Cummins returned with exceptional figures of 4/35. He has bowled well all through the series and will be a crucial; member for Australia in the series decider.
Jhye Richardson
The young fast bowler has been impressive ever since he broke into the Australian side after a good showing in the ODI series against India in their own backyard. He has carried on his good showing and has looked threatening in the series so far.
Nathan Lyon
He has been a champion off-spinner bowler for Australia especially in the longest format of the game. However, when it comes to white ball cricket, Lyon hasn’t played enough cricket. However, he is hopeful of boarding the flight to England for the 2019 World Cup.
Adam Zampa
Zampa has been the real find for Australian cricket. Despite conceding runs, Zampa is a wicket-taking bowler who has got Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni out quite a few times in ODI cricket. The leggie will look to bowl another match-winning spell and bowl Australia to a victory in the series decider.