By The Indian batting line-up has come under scrutiny during the ODI series against Australia, failing to live up to its lofty reputation. The inability of the big names to tackle Mitchell Starc’s left-arm pace has raised questions about the Indian batters’ ability to negotiate quality fast bowling, even in conditions that are not overtly swing or seam-friendly.
In the first two ODIs, Starc made fine use of conditions that offered a little bit of help for the quicks. The momentum is with Starc and his team after they drubbed India by 10 wickets in Visakhapatnam to keep the series alive. However, the conditions at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Chennai for the deciding ODI are expected to be a little more batsman and spin-friendly, which should make the Indians feel a tad better.
The Indian batting group needs to ensure they do not gift wickets to Starc or any other Australian bowler with loose, extravagant strokes. Strengthening their defense, even a little bit, could put the Australian bowling attack under some pressure. The No.4 slot also remains a concern, with the out-of-sorts Suryakumar Yadav likely to remain in the XI and get a longer run in ODIs.
It remains to be seen whether India will go in with the same bowling combination or effect a change or two. On the Australian front, one has to wait and see if David Warner and Glenn Maxwell make a return to the playing XI. All-rounder Maxwell certainly has a better chance given the conditions.
The match between India and Australia will be live on the Star Sports Network at 1.30 pm today. It is a crucial match for both teams, with the series at stake, and Indian fans will be hoping that their team can find a way to tackle Starc and put in a strong performance to win the series.