Can India Avoid a Historic Clean Sweep in the Final ODI Against Australia?
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Synopsis
As the final ODI approaches, India is determined to avoid a clean sweep against Australia. With the hosts already leading the series 2-0, can India rally for a consolation victory? This match could be a pivotal moment for both teams, especially for veteran players potentially playing their last game in Australia.
Key Takeaways
- India aims to avoid a clean sweep in the series.
- Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer are crucial for India's batting.
- Changes to the lineup may occur ahead of the final match.
- Australia has momentum and home advantage.
- Veterans like Kohli face pressure to perform.
Sydney, Oct 24 (NationPress) India is set to take on Australia in the third and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground this Saturday, striving to evade a clean sweep defeat. The hosts have already clinched the series 2-0, following a tight two-wicket victory in Adelaide, making it crucial for India to secure a consolation win.
With only a day to regroup, India faces the challenge of avoiding their first clean sweep since the 2022 tour of South Africa. While Rohit Sharma scored a resilient 73 and Shreyas Iyer contributed a steady 61, concerns linger around Virat Kohli, who has recorded back-to-back ducks for the first time in his ODI career.
As both veterans gear up for what could be their final match on Australian soil, India hopes to witness a strong performance from these batting stalwarts. Despite having fielded the same eleven in the first two matches, changes may be on the cards for the Sydney showdown.
Emerging left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and tall fast bowler Prasidh Krishna are on standby to inject fresh energy into a squad that has appeared unbalanced without seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
The top-ranked ODI team has lost two consecutive matches following an eight-game winning streak, and newly appointed captain Shubman Gill faces selection dilemmas as he works to establish his ideal lineup.
Gill has also struggled to make an impact with the bat, and India will be counting on him to deliver significant runs. Notably, India's last ODI victory at the SCG dates back to 2016, and with Australia having won the last three encounters at this venue, they have a tough task ahead.
On the other hand, Australia will benefit from the return of first-choice wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who has recovered from a calf strain. While Marnus Labuschagne has exited the squad to rejoin Queensland for the Sheffield Shield, left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and all-rounder Jack Edwards have been added for the final ODI.
Adam Zampa and Alex Carey returned in Adelaide, with the former proving pivotal with his four wickets. Pacer Xavier Bartlett might retain his place after claiming three wickets, including the crucial dismissals of Gill and Kohli in Adelaide. Riding on momentum, Australia aims to secure a clean sweep and continue their dominance at home.
When: Saturday, October 25, 9:00 AM IST
Where: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming
Squads
India: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, and Adam Zampa.
–IANS
Point of View
I emphasize the significance of this match for India, not just for the team’s pride but also for the legacy of its players. The pressure to perform is immense, and the potential impact on the players' careers adds an additional layer of intensity to this contest.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the final ODI between India and Australia?
The final ODI is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, at 9:00 AM IST.
Where can I watch the match live?
You can watch the match live on Star Sports Network for television broadcast and JioHotstar for streaming.
Which players are crucial for India in this match?
Key players include Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, who are expected to lead the batting lineup.
Has India ever been clean swept in ODIs?
Yes, India has faced a clean sweep in ODIs before, notably during their 2022 tour of South Africa.
What is the historical performance of India at the SCG?
India's last ODI victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground was in 2016, and they have struggled since then, losing their last three encounters at this venue.
