India need to avoid defeat when they take on Australia in the fifth ODI of the 2015 tri-series if they have to stay in reckoning for a place in the final but it will be a mountainous task for a team which is yet to win a game on tour so far. You can follow the live blog of this match 2.20pm (AEDT).
It has been a struggle for India ever since they landed on the Aussie soil. They were expected to go down 4-0 in the Tests but staved off defeats in the final two Tests to lose 2-0 – a performance that earned plaudits for their batting.
On the other hand, they were expected to do a lot better in the ODIs, but defeats in each of their first two matches have left them in an unenviable position of having to almost win both their remaining games to make the final.
For the defending world champions and a team which is ranked second in the world, it’s a difficult position to be in at the moment.
What would have added to their misery is the manner in which they went down to England in their previous game.
On a pitch that afforded bounce to the English seam bowlers, the Indian batsmen capitulated to 153 all out and then, were pummelled out of the game in just 27.3 overs. Not the kind of result you would expect against a team which was, not so long ago, expected to roll over in this format of the game.
India will be without their centurion from the first game, Rohit Sharma, yet again because of injury which will allow Shikhar Dhawan another chance at the top of the order. He will know, however, his time is running out and it will be interesting to see if he changes his approach accordingly.
There are also reports Ishant Sharma might make a comeback but even if he does, one can expect him to take his time to get to full match fitness. On a slowish Sydney pitch, India could also opt to bring in a second spinner.
Australia are already through to the final but while they might still want to experiment, it’s difficult to see them go into the game without a full desire to win. Carrying their winning momentum is something they would want to do going into the final of this tri-series and therefore into the 2015 World Cup.
George Bailey will return to the side too and despite his side’s extremely clinical showing over the previous three games, he will be aware of his run drought. Another failure here and if Michael Clarke returns to the team, Bailey could well be on his way out.
David Warner had been rested for a game after being asked to show better on-field behaviour by Cricket Australia and he returns a more dangerous player as he looks to focus on the job.
These two cricketers will replace Shaun Marsh and Cameron White.
On the bowling front, this will be Xavier Doherty’s best chance to get another game against India but who will he replace remains the question. Josh Hazlewood has also been tipped to return to the side.
With the Indian bowlers having struggled right through the tour, Australia will be gunning for a bat-first opportunity and look to score more than 300. And unless Virat Kohli can return to some of the form he showed in the Tests, India will be hard-pressed to get to that many.
You can follow the live score of this 5th ODI between Australia and India from 2.20pm (AEDT) on Monday and post your comments in the section below.
Clark
Guest
I was just referring to the way he played the Indian supporters after he took that catch.
Sandy
Guest
They perfected that skill by using the wrong end of the bat! on a serious note, they are looking good this year Jerry.
Jerry
Guest
Rubbish, they've always known which end to hold it. And in the past the batsman were so skilled they didn't even use the front of their bats to hit the ball, it takes real skill to hit the ball with that skinny bit on the side.
Jerry
Guest
Ran out Kane Williamson on 97. Was pretty awful to be fair.
Sandy
Guest
Had a brain fade. He was ball watching, totally oblivious to his mate at the other end who was run out on 97.
Jameswm
Guest
Sure. Time on my hands, could be time spent with you
Jameswm
Guest
Not contradicting you though...
Jameswm
Guest
Or bored.. Not a Who fan Nudge?
Nudge
Guest
What did Taylor do ?
Jerry
Guest
Yeah, it was a real shame that Kane missed out on getting a 2nd century in 3 innings. The poor old Black Caps had to make do with scoring 300 and wrapping up the series, poor buggers.
Sandy
Guest
You should be more concerned about Taylor going AWOL...well his brain anyway. Geez, that was a shocker.
Jo M
Guest
I'm still standin better than I ever did, lookin like a true survivor, (or maybe not so true or better)
Nudge
Guest
I reckon you been on the turps all day today James
Jameswm
Guest
Sleep baby sleep. Now that the night is over.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
That's that from me. I will be back with the live blog for the final then, which will be played at the WACA in Perth on February 1, in which Australia take on the winner of the India-England game. Thank you for following whatever little cricket was on show today. Have a good night ahead.
Jameswm
Guest
Why don't you all f-f-fade away.
Suneer Chowdhary
Roar Guru
India will be happy with this result. Not only because it was becoming difficult for them to beat Australia but also because they were in with a disadvantage batting first in a game where the overs could have shortened without a warning. The issue for them will be to beat England on a bouncy pitch at the WACA in Perth. As one saw today, they did have a struggle on their hands when the ball did a little more vertically. On the other hand, they do not have the bowlers who can consistently exploit those conditions - unless they can come up with a big, big surprise.
Jameswm
Guest
My name is Bill and I'm a head case.
Jo M
Guest
Or maybe not.
Jo M
Guest
Yep, now is there enough time to get the ground ready to go?