Rohit Sharma has the best average of any batsman against Australia in ODI matches and India will be desperate for him to play the series decider in Bangalore.
Rohit Sharma’s importance for India has been laid bare with figures showing the in-doubt opener is Australia’s toughest ever batting opponent in one-day cricket.
Sharma is in a race against the clock to overcome a shoulder injury for Sunday’s ODI decider in Bangalore, with the three-match series level at 1-1.
The 32-year-old hurt his left shoulder while diving to stop a ball late in the hosts’ 36-run win over Australia in Rajkot on Friday night.
Indian officials said a decision won’t be made on his fitness until just before the toss for Sunday’s match.
It’s no secret that Sharma loves batting against Australia.
His 2089 runs against them at 59.68 gives him the highest average for any batsman who has played more than 10 ODIs against the Australia.
That figure is also well above his career average of 48.89, while he is also the only player to have hit a double-century against Australia in 2013.
That also came at Bangalore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the venue for Sunday’s clash.
“He’s a world-class player and if he’s no good … that does leave a hole for them,” Steve Smith said.
“Because he’s phenomenal at the top of the order. His record speaks for itself. We wish him all the best and hope he’s all right.”
Shikhar Dhawan, who copped a blow to the ribs from a Pat Cummins delivery on Friday, is also a doubt for the hosts. He too has a strong record against Australia, averaging above 45.
If Sharma or Dhawan do not play, KL Rahul would move back to the top of the order for India after scoring 80 of just 52 balls in Friday’s 36-run win in Rajkot.
Virat Kohli will stay at No.3 regardless, after making a triumphant return to the position in the win.
Rahul could also be asked to continue keeping in place of Rishabh Pant, who still requires to pass further tests to beat a concussion and play.
Rahul admitted on Friday he was still having some difficulty picking India’s spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja behind the stumps, as well as quick Jasprit Bumrah.
“It is (a challenge). Even for me sometimes I couldn’t pick Kuldeep and Jadeja at the pace he bowls is just pretty difficult,” Rahul said.
“Jasprit, I have always felt when I used to bat against him in the IPL, the best place to be against Jasprit is behind the stumps.
“But now that I have to keep wickets, it is still hard, the way he bowls, swinging the ball both at Wankhede (in Mumbai) and here it’s a bit of a wobble.
“He is still a nightmare to keep to.”
© AAP
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