Another score close to 300 and another loss for Team India. This has been the story of the series so far. India lost the third game series in Melbourne after Australia successfully chased 295 thanks to Maxwell’s 96 of 83 balls. Unlike like the first two matches Indian were favourite to win the third match after Matthew Wade was dismissed by Ishant Sharma and Australia were struggling at 215/6 but thanks to Maxwell along with Faulkner made sure Australia go up 3-0 in the series.
Australia vs India: Manuka Oval, Canberra
India has lot to do in the 4th ODI at Canberra. MS Dhoni and his boys are desperate for the win. Batsman have done nothing wrong but it with the bowling attack India has they need to score 20-30 runs more to put pressure on Aussies or do what Smith did in the last match bowl first and chase down whatever opponents score.
India Preview
Dhoni would be hoping his batsman to again get some runs. The form of Rohit, Kohli and Rahane has been brilliant. Dhawan also struck a half century in the previous match, and Dhoni showed he still has something left in him by striking big blows during the closing stages of the innings. The main point of worry for team India is bowling department. India are in desperate need of bowlers who could take wickets, Ashwin hopefully will make a comeback to the team as Rishi Dhawan didn’t impressed in the first outing of his career. Ishant the most senior of the bowling attack would need to take responsibility and lead this bowling attack. With series lost India has nothing to lose from here. Dhoni and his men would be desperate to win the last two matches before T20 series begin.
Team News
Dhoni played two debutants in last ODI Gurkeerat Mann inclusion provided him with 6th bowler option and most probably he will retain his place in the XI. Ashwin would be hoping for a comeback in place of Rishi Dhawan.
Probable XI: Dhawan, Rohit, Virat, Rahane, Dhoni, Gurkeerat, Jadeja, Rishi/Ashwin, Sran, Ishant, Yadav
Australia Preview
Australia with 3-0 up in the series would look to continue its winning streak. Australia are on level with West Indies on 18 consecutive ODI win in home soil would be looking to break the record. Australia would be happy that all of their batsmen are in great form. Smith would be hoping to win another toss and bowl first which he did in the 3rd match. Same like India Australia would also be hoping from their bowlers to take wickets at regular intervals. India have had 3 consecutive 100 run partnership for the 2nd wicket a stat which Australia would not like to see much.
Team News
David Warner back from leave and Lyon inclusion in the ODI team would force Australia to make some changes in the final XI. It would be interesting to see who would make way for Warner as Marsh has score two 50’s in two matches. Inclusion of Lyon would bring variety into the bowling attack which Australia was lacking in the first three ODI’s.
Probable XI: Marsh/Warner, Finch, Smith, Bailey, Maxwell, Mitchell, Wade, Faulkner, Hastings, Richardson, Lyon
Match Facts
Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra
Manuka Oval wicket is also pretty much a batting wicket. South Africa scored 411 in their World Cup match against Ireland and West Indies also scored 372 against Zimbabwe. Although Steve Smith mention in the post-match presentation after the last match that Manuka Oval wicket would suit spinners as the wickets tend to spin later in the day. Apart from it seems we have another high scoring encounter in our hands.
Date: 20th January, 2016, Wednesday
Time: 13:20 Local | 8:50 IST
Coverage: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports HD
Tags: 4th ODI, Australia, Canberra, Cricket, India, Manuka Oval, MS Dhoni, ODI Series, Preview, Sports
