With a series already assured 2-0, Australia will play for a historic sweep when they host India for the final ODI in Sydney. For Shubman GilFor the new-look Indian side, this match has become a crucial battle for pride and a last chance to regain form before the T20 series.
Led by Mitchell MaraisAustralia looked dominant, sealing the series with a thrilling two-wicket victory in Adelaide, built on strong performances from young players like Matthew Court And Cooper Connolly. Once the series was won, they chose to manage their team.
Marnus Labuschagne has been released to prepare for Sheffield Shield cricket, while the NSW all-rounder Jack Edwards wins his first international call-up. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is also set to rejoin the team after recovering from a calf strain and left arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann was recalled. The key man, however, will be the one who spins the legs Adam Zampawho was outstanding in Adelaide with a four-wicket haul and will look to exploit a spin-friendly SCG pitch.
India’s tour was defined by collective batting failure. While Rohit Sharma (73) and Shreyas Iyer (61) showed his form in Adelaide, the team’s biggest names are struggling. Captain Gill was dismissed for 10 and 9, but the spotlight is on Virat Kohliwho recorded consecutive ducks for the first time in his ODI career. Amid fan speculation that this could be his last ODI on Australian soil, the pressure is immense for him to deliver a marquee performance.
India are very likely to make changes to their playing XI. Given the SCG’s reputation for assisting spin, expect a left wrist spinner. Kuldeep Yadav to be hired, likely replacing a versatile player Nitish Kumar Reddywho underperformed both with the bat and the ball.
Sydney Cricket Ground Report
The Sydney track should be hitter-friendly, allowing the ball to come easily to the bat in stroke play. While fast bowlers may have to work hard to find movement, spinners will likely gain assist and grip as the match progresses. Historically, in ODIs at this venue, teams batting first have had a significant advantage, winning 96 of 168 matches, although some analysts predict a chase advantage for this specific match. This contrasts with the traditional reputation of the Test match ground as Australia’s friendliest wicket and the recent anomaly of January 2025, when a grassy pitch strongly favored seam bowlers.
Also READ: Glenn Maxwell returns to Australia’s T20I squad for final three matches against India
Sydney Cricket Ground Statistics and Records
- Total number of matches: 168
- Games won batting first: 96
- Matches won bowling first:66
- Average scores of the 1st rounds: 224
- Average scores of the 2nd rounds: 189
- Highest total recorded: 408/5 (25.5 Ov) by South Africa vs West Indies
- Lowest total recorded: 63/10 (26.3 Ov) by India against Australia
- Highest score pursued: 334/8 (49.2 Ov) by Australia vs England
- Lowest score defended: 101/9 (30 Ov) by Australia vs West Indies
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Shashi Tharoor slams Indian selectors for choosing Harshit Rana over Kuldeep Yadav in Adelaide ODI
