Down 1-2 in the seven-match series, India will try to level it when they take on Australia in the fourth One Day International (ODI) at JSCA International Cricket Stadium, Ranchi on Wednesday, 23 October.
Where to Watch Live:
The 4th ODI match will begin at 01:30 pm IST on Wednesday and it will be telecast live in India on Star Sports, Star Cricket and ESPN channels.
Overview:
India will come into the match after the shock loss in the third ODI. They were so close to clinch the previous contest yet so far when tailender James Faulkner turned the course of the game in the 48th over, smashing 30 runs. They will be keen to level the series when they take the field on Wednesday.
Australia are leading the series 2-1, and their confidence will be boosted by the inspiring win on Saturday. They will be looking forward to put up a good show against the strong Indian batting line-up and take a step closer to winning the series.
Previous Meetings:
Australia have 66-38 win-loss ODI record against India in 112 matches, out of which eight games were abandoned.
Team News:
India: The squad that played in the first three ODIs have been retained for the remaining games. Ishant Sharma could be replaced by either Mohammad Shami or Jaydev Unadkat following dismal performance this series, including giving away 30 runs in the finals overs of the previous match to pacer Faulkner, though skipper MS Dhoni had hinted of backing his players after the previous match. Ravichandran Ashwin is also under scanner but he is likely to play on Wednesday.
Australia: The visitors are likely to field the same squad that won the third ODI on Wednesday too. Bowlers managed to take early wickets before MS Dhoni came up with a magnificent century in the previous match. Their main concern is the failure of the batsmen to put up big innings.
Preview:
Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, who gave a splendid start in the 3rd ODI, failed in the previous game. Virat Kohli is in tremendous form this series, scoring a century and two half centuries in three matches played so far. With MS Dhoni, who scored 139 in the previous match, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina in the batting line-up, India's batting line-up looks stronger than the opponents.
Dhoni's main concern is the bowling department and fielding. The manner in which Ishant Sharma gave away 30 runs in the final overs of the previous match to Aussie bowler Faulkner, will haunt the team. Ravichandran Ashwin is also not in good form this series. The Men in Blue will be well aware that a little effort and dedication from the bowlers will help them in their quest for a series win.
Aaron Finch and George Bailey are in good form, scoring 38 and 43 respectively in the previous game after back-to-back half centuries. Adam Voges scored 76 before James Faulkner scored a splendid 64 of just 29 balls to clinch the 3rd ODI. Phillip Hughes is also in good form, having scored two half centuries in the series. None of the batsmen have put up big innings but they won't mind as long as the final team contribution wins them matches.
Mitchell Johnson finally showed up in the previous match by taking four important wickets. Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty and James Faulkner also have shown that they are capable of troubling formidable Indian batting line-up. Their performance will be crucial in their campaign for an away series win.
Prediction:
India are expected to bounce back and win the 4th ODI.
Squads:
India: MS Dhoni (captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Shami Ahmed, Jaydev Unadkat, Ravichandran Ashwin, Vinay Kumar, Amit Mishra, Ambati Rayudu
Australia: George Bailey (captain), Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Phillip Hughes, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Johnson, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Clint McKay
