After back-to-back washouts due to bad weather, India and Australia will play the 6th One Day International (ODI) at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur on Wednesday. The Aussies lead the seven-match ODI series 2-1.
Where to Watch Live:
The 6th 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. To live stream online, follow the official link HERE.
Overview:
The seven-match series has been reduced to a five-match affair after the fourth and fifth ODIs were abandoned due to bad weather. The weather at Nagpur is expected to be dry and humid on Wednesday, so players will sweat out.
It's a do-or-die match for India after bad weather denied them the chance to level the series. MS Dhoni's boys will be under pressure, as a loss will cost them the series. They will be keen to win on Wednesday and stay alive in the series.
Australia on the other hand lead the series 2-1. They posted 295 in the 4th ODI with George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell short of just a few runs from big tons. The match was abandoned but it will boost their confidence. They will be looking forward to wrap up the series in Nagpur itself.
Previous Meetings:
Australia have 66-38 win-loss ODI record against India in 114 matches, out of which 10 games were abandoned.
Team News:
India: Mohammad Shami, Jaydev Unadkat and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are expected to play in the crucial match on Wednesday, while experienced players - Ishant Sharma and Vinay Kumar - may warm the bench following their dismal performance this series. The batting line-up is expected to remain unchanged.
Australia: The visitors are also expected to field the same squad that played in the previous match. All-rounder Shane Watson may find place in the squad despite his poor form this series.
Preview:
Indian batting line-up looks strong with the top order - Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina - in good shape. They are capable of chasing big totals.
The main worry for the team is bowling and fielding. Mohammad Shami, who took three wickets for 21 runs in six overs in the previous match, gave a ray of hope in the bowling department for the host. Ravichandran Ashwin will play a vital role, as Nagpur track is expected to assist spinners.
George Bailey (98) and Glenn Maxwell (92) helped the team put up a decent total in the abandoned fourth ODI but the performance of Aaron Finch, Adam Voges and Phillip Hughes will worry them.
They have been superior in the bowling and fielding departments this series. Mitchell Johnson, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty and James Faulkner have improved as the series progresses, and that will boost their confidence.
It's raining runs this series with flat pitch helping the batsmen but bowlers have been having nightmare. The performance of the bowlers will be vital in deciding the fate of the teams this series.
Prediction:
India are expected to bounce back and win the 6th 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
