India is on the cusp of creating history as they set their sights on a remarkable clean sweep of the Australian cricket team in the third and final One Day International (ODI) match, scheduled for Wednesday. With the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup rapidly approaching, Team India aims to conclude their preparations in grand style.
Never before has India managed to whitewash the formidable Australian cricket team in the ODI format.
Remarkably, the same holds true for Australia when it comes to facing India, both at home and abroad, regardless of the number of matches contested in a series.
Despite missing some of its top players and experimenting with various playing combinations to ensure valuable match experience for every squad member, the Indian team has found itself in a commanding position with three consecutive ODI victories looming.
If India secures a 3-0 victory in the series, it would not only be a historic achievement but also provide them with a substantial advantage over the five-time world champions, Australia. The two teams are set to meet again in Chennai on October 8 for their World Cup opener, and India's potential clean sweep would undoubtedly give them a psychological edge.
The first two ODIs witnessed India's dominance, even as both teams made numerous changes to preserve the freshness of their star players and provide opportunities to fringe squad members. Notably, India's young sensation Shubman Gill, who has amassed an impressive 1,230 runs in the ODI format this World Cup year, has been rested for the final ODI. His absence is expected to be keenly felt.
However, the return of batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, along with the in-form Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya from a brief rest, is anticipated. KL Rahul, who admirably led the team in Rohit's absence, has also made crucial contributions with the bat and behind the stumps.
India's resurgence has been characterized by the emergence of talents such as Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, who have bolstered the squad's depth.
In a boost for India, Shreyas Iyer overcame early struggles to notch a century, solidifying his position in the middle order. The impeccable form of Rahul and the return of Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier bowler, after a lengthy injury lay-off, add to the team's confidence.
Meanwhile, the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin seeks to make his presence count in the squad, despite competition from the injured Axar Patel.
On the other hand, Australia finds itself in a precarious position, having suffered consecutive defeats in the series. Just a few months ago, the same Australian side had prevailed 2-1 over India, largely due to Mitchell Starc's brilliance with the ball.
With the World Cup on the horizon, Australia may be tempted to field their preferred bowling attack, featuring Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. However, their batting lineup has lacked firepower, with Travis Head struggling at the top and Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne enduring a challenging year in Indian conditions.