India go 3-0 and take series with 2 games to play

4th ODI – India vs Australia
Thursday 28th September 2017

It just keeps getting worse for Australia as they dropped the 3rd game and the series against India with 2 games still to play. On a flat deck well suited to batting things started off well for the Aussies, winning the toss and electing to bat they had a great opportunity to take control of the game early. Freshly recalled Aaron Finch made an immediate impact putting on excellent partnerships of 70 with David Warner and then 154 with Steve Smith on his way to a very impressive 124 runs off 125 balls with 5 sixes.

Aaron Finch was dominant on return and well supported by Steve Smith

The Aussies were set for a total well in excess of 300 when Finch was dismissed in the 38th over, but as has been the theme all series the middle and lower order batsmen failed to fire. Once Smith was gone in the 42nd over the Australians failed to accelerate during the death overs losing Maxwell, Head and Handscomb all cheaply and again leaving Stoinis not out (this time for 27) as they limped to a modest total of 293 for 6 wickets. This was at least 30 runs short of a par score on such a flat pitch.

Maxwell stumped again while Pandeys great catch dismissed Handscomb

The Indians were never really troubled in the run chase. Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane putting on a solid opening partnership of 139 at a good rate but there was a flicker of hope for the Aussies as they left the crease in quick succession in the 22nd and 24th overs. However, hope was quickly dashed as Kohli and Pandey then took over and in the end the top 4 for India had all contributed to what was a fairly pedestrian run chase. India made the modest target easily with 13 balls and 5 wickets still in hand.

Sharma and Rahane setup the Indian chase with another great partnership

The series has been won by India with two games still to play with the fourth game to be played in Bengaluru. It is unlikely to get any easier for the struggling Australian batsmen as the pitch is expected to be another slow and low turner. Ashton Agar has been sent home with injury meaning there will be a recall for Adam Zampa. Pacer Pat Cummins is expected to be rested so the only other likely change would be to bring back James "The Finisher" Faulkner to potentially strengthen the lower order batting.

India selections are harder to anticipate as they are striving for a record breaking 10th consecutive ODI victory which is a feat other nations have achieved but it's one that has eluded them. Alternatively they may decide to rest some players and give opportunities to others now that the remaining games will be classified as "Dead Rubber".

All up it's been a disappointing performance from the Australians so far in what was a widely anticipated series, but it has been quality performances from the Indians and there is still plenty of pride to play for, with record books to be re-written.

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