Jason Behrendorff could miss the upcoming third and last One-Day International against India.
Australia were given a big reality check by India in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval. With momentum on their side following the win in the first game, Australia had the chance to seal the series in Adelaide. However, India were just too good for them as the Virat Kohli-led side bounced back in style from the defeat in the series-opener to win the second and level the three-match series.
Batting first, Australia rode on Shaun Marsh’s fourth ODI century in his last 8 games to post a competitive 298 for 9. But while the score was 10 runs more than what Australia scored in the first game and won comfortably, India never looked in trouble while chasing again. Virat Kohli scored a sizzling century to set the tone for the chase before MS Dhoni scored an unbeaten fifty to fire India to the series-levelling win.
Kohli led the way in the run chase with 104 and Dhoni finished it off with an unbeaten 55 as India get home in the final over: https://t.co/3fNQjC4Hmh #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/aEfHTFOeeN
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 15, 2019
The momentum is now firmly in India’s favour and Australia could suffer yet another setback before the third and final ODI in Melbourne. Their pacer Jason Behrendorff, who has taken three wickets in the series so far, is managing a sore back and is doubtful for the big clash.
The left-arm pacer has a history of back problems and the hosts could decide against risking him keeping in mind the World Cup this year.
“Jason Behrendorff is being monitored,” skipper Aaron Finch said ahead of the third ODI.
“He’s had back issues in the past so it’s about managing him through this series and further forward. We’re going to have a chat about that and speak to the medicos,” he added.
Australia could also bring in Adam Zampa to replace struggling Nathan Lyon. The off-spinner went wicketless in both the ODIs. However, Finch praised the Test spinner’s performance as he aims to be Australia’s frontline spin option at this year’s World Cup.
“I think he’s been really impressive,” Finch said.
“In Adelaide, there’s obviously a short square boundary and I thought he bowled really well, quite defensively … his role was pretty important. Anytime the ball has been tossed up, Rohit Sharma hit a couple (of boundaries) off him in the first game and Dhoni the other day.
“Obviously not getting a wicket, he’d have liked a bit more return for that. When he keeps bowling that well, he will get rewarded eventually,” added Finch.
The third and final ODI will take place on January 18 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.