India vs Australia series has ended. The home side won the decisive series, however, the visitors had a good day Rajkot in the third ODI. Batting first, Australia scored 352 runs successfully defended it, giving the home side, a 66 runs defeat in the third ODI.
The series was full of positives for India as they won first two matches without featuring their star batters. Let’s take a look at 5 positives for India from this series:
Shami Gets Going
Mohammad Shami bowled an excellent spell in the first India vs Australia ODI played at Mohali. He picked 5 wickets for 51 runs in ten overs. With this phenomenal performance, Shami came right into the contention for playing every World Cup match for India.
Gill and Iyer’s Mammoth Partnership
In the second ODI at Indore, the 200 runs partnership between Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer was just outstanding. For a match, it looked like India were in no need of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both of them scored a century and that allowed India to post 399 runs total on board. Gill and Iyer have shown great consistency which is a positive sign for team India.
Suryakumar Yadav Finds His Mojo
Finally, the trust in Suryakumar Yadav paid off when the attacking middle order batter scored 71 off 37 balls in the second ODI at Indore. Ironically, he smashed four consecutive sixes off his MI teammate Cameron Green. It was much needed innings by Surya from team’s perspective because the entire team wanted him to find his mojo before the commencement of ODI World Cup.
Rohit Sharma Crafting Like a Hitman
India may have lost the third ODI but the way captain Rohit Sharma batted in the match was seriously impressive. The 57-ball 81 tells us what kind of form he is in, giving everyone a glimpse of vintage fearless Rohit Sharma. Definitely the tremendous form will give him a great confidence in the World Cup matches.
Batting Order in Depth & Form
India haa a great batting depth in current context of the game. Some serious charecters there, inform and inspired enough to win a match on their own. This is a great sign for team India. Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. All scored either centuries or half centuries in the series.
Tested Pace Battery
India now has tested bowling options. Jasprit Bumrah had an off day at Rajkot but he remains a challenge for batters nontheless. After going for 51 in first 5 overs, he made a great comeback to concede only 30 runs in next 5 overs and take 3 wickets. On the other hand, Mohammad Shami looked flawless in the first ODI.
So India has won the three match ODI series against Australia at home. The Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 in only a week away and this comprehensive win is going to give a great confidence to the entire team. Off days are part and parcel of the game, a team has to receive it openly.
Excepting that, India is looking strong to have claim on the title after such a crucial win over Australia who have found some rhythm in the last ODI, just before entering into the World Cup.
