India vs Australia: Third ODI preview and prediction

The series is very well poised and it has certainly lived up to the reputation of an "India-Australia" one. Bengaluru will witness fireworks and we will be witnessing some exhilarating cricket.

This series me reminds me of the 2013 Series, where the sides played the decider in Bengaluru. India made 383, courtesy a mammoth 209 by Rohit Sharma. Australia, the most fierce competitive side, replied by scoring 326.

Situation is same, many players are same and India would like to win to clinch series as they did in 2013.

The second match highlighted the fact that Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne have the capability to play spin and can read the wrong ones. They can get out only if they are trying to accelerate the run rate.

KL Rahul made a case for himself as the new keeper and he has shown that he possesses the most varied shots among contemporary players. A talent, who has to be nurtured.

India has found another death bowler in Navdeep Saini, who can hurl yorkers at will. The Aussie lower order will face an uphill task while facing him and Jasprit Bumrah.

Batsmen of both the countries are in fine nick and pitches are batting friendly so temperament will decide the outcome. India has to play out the opening spell patiently as they did in the second ODI. Whereas Australia must be cursing the four wickets given to spinners in order to up the run rate.

Pitch

Karnata won the Vijay Hazare trophy by batting first on multiple occasions. They were scoring 280 to 320 if batting first. Their pacers were more effective than spinners.

So, the game should be a belter and any team would like to chase the score.

Team Changes

Australia should bring Josh Hazelwood in place of Ashton Agar and India should persist with the team that won the second ODI.

Scores of 300+ will be competitive. 340+ is where the side batting first can feel comfortable in the second innings.

Verdict

I expect India to win owing to their death bowlers and the quality of their top three batsmen.

Happy viewing.