With the series already secured 2-0, Australia will be playing for a historic clean sweep when they host India for the final ODI in Sydney. For Shubman Gill‘s new-look Indian side, this match has become a crucial battle for pride and a final chance to find form before the T20 series.
Led by Mitchell Marsh, Australia have looked dominant, sealing the series with a thrilling two-wicket victory in Adelaide built on strong performances from younger players like Matthew Short and Cooper Connolly. With the series won, they have opted to manage their squad.
Marnus Labuschagne has been released to prepare for Sheffield Shield cricket, while NSW all-rounder Jack Edwards earns his first international call-up. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is also set to rejoin the squad after recovering from a calf strain, and left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been recalled. The key man, however, will be leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who was outstanding in Adelaide with a four-wicket haul and will be looking to exploit a spin-friendly SCG pitch.
India’s tour has been defined by a collective batting failure. While Rohit Sharma (73) and Shreyas Iyer (61) showed form in Adelaide, the team’s biggest names are struggling. Captain Gill has been dismissed for 10 and 9, but the major spotlight is on Virat Kohli, who has registered consecutive ducks for the first time in his ODI career. Amidst fan speculation that this could be his final ODI on Australian soil, the pressure is immense for him to deliver a trademark performance.
India are highly likely to make a change to its playing XI. Given the SCG’s reputation for assisting spin, expect left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav to be brought in, likely replacing all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has underperformed with both bat and ball.
Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report
The track at Sydney is expected to be batting-friendly, allowing the ball to come onto the bat nicely for stroke play. While fast bowlers may need to work hard to find movement, spinners are likely to gain assistance and grip as the match progresses. Historically in ODIs at this venue, teams batting first have had a significant advantage, winning 96 of 168 matches, though some analysts predict a chasing advantage for this specific game. This contrasts with the ground’s traditional Test match reputation as Australia’s most spin-friendly wicket and the recent anomaly in January 2025, when a grassy pitch heavily favored seam bowlers.
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Sydney Cricket Ground Stats and Records
- Total matches: 168
- Matches won batting first: 96
- Matches won bowling first: 66
- Average 1st innings scores: 224
- Average 2nd innings scores: 189
- Highest total recorded: 408/5 (25.5 Ov) by South Africa vs West Indies
- Lowest total recorded: 63/10 (26.3 Ov) by India vs Australia
- Highest score chased: 334/8 (49.2 Ov) by Australia vs England
- Lowest score defended: 101/9 (30 Ov) by Australia vs West Indies
