Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: BCCI)
After suffering a defeat in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy and in the first ODI of the series against India, the Steve Smith-led side bounced back and handed India a 2-1 defeat in the ODI series. Now, without the likes of designated skipper Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, this win will boost Australia’s confidence ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is slated to take place later in the year.
For India, this series was more about addressing the issues in the middle order. As Shreyas Iyer was ruled out due to an injury, this was a perfect platform for others to step up and eventually cement their spot in the playing XI. Now, other than KL Rahul in the first ODI, no other batter managed to prove themselves in the middle and that should be a massive concern for the team management.
Notably, the flamboyant batter, Suryakumar Yadav, failed to open his account in all three matches, while Hardik’s form with the bat needs to improve as his blistering knocks of the past cannot guarantee him a position in the playing XI. However, in his defence, he has been brilliant with the ball. In the third ODI, the all-rounder absolutely dismissed the Australian top-order and helped India make a strong start but yet so, there’s room for improvement for the 29-year-old.
When it comes to Indian bowlers, the pacers need to get better. It’s understandable that the conditions are not tailor-made for them but since it’s the World Cup year, they need to pull up their socks and perform well, especially with Jasprit Bumrah missing at the moment.
Australia on the other hand should be delighted with their performance. Mitchell Marsh has played some brilliant cricket throughout the series while ace pacer Mitchell Starc picked up eight wickets in three matches. In the final ODI, Adam Zampa was phenomenal, picking up four wickets as Australia won the match by 21 runs.
The team however will have to think of getting better as Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Marnus Labuschagne’s form with the bat is a matter of concern. However, they will focus on the positives at the moment and celebrate their massive series victory.
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