Pride at stake: Left-arm pace bowler Barinder Sran bends his back during the net’s Tuesday at the Manuka Oval in Canberra PTI Photo
Canberra: The series already out of their grasp, India will be desperate to salvage some pride by avoiding a whitewash but their spiritless bowlers need to put up a far more inspired show to stop the Australians in the fourth and penultimate cricket ODI here Wednesday.
India’s batsmen have gone about their job efficiently, posting big totals on the board but the bowlers have been ordinary and pedestrian, allowing the hosts to chase down those tall scores in each of the first three matches at Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne.
The Indians will be taking on the Australians for the first time at the Manuka Oval here. The only time they played here was in 2008 when they lost the match to Sri Lanka. Only three members of the present side – Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ishant Sharma and Rohit Sharma have the experience of playing on this ground.
With the series already decided, the Indians will in all probability consider making afew changes to the playing XI. There is every possibility of Axar Patel being fielded for the first time on this tour. Also the team management may rest Shikhar Dhawan and bring back Manish Pandey who did not get much of an opportunity in the two games that he has played in. In that case Ajinkya Rahane will be promoted up the order to open with Rohit Sharma.
India could also bring back Ravichandran Ashwin keeping in the mind the ‘dry’ nature of the pitch at the Manuka Oval. He is a key member of India’s T20 plans, irrespective of conditions and thus India could be looking to play two spinners once again so that Ashwin doesn’t suffer from a lack of confidence.
Meanwhile, the Australian camp seemed pretty relaxed – and why shouldn’t they be with the series wrapped up – while training. David Warner was back in the thick of things while Glenn Maxwell was more intent on bowling rather than batting at the nets.
But irrespective of their relaxed attitude, Maxwell categorically stated that they intend go for India’s jugular. “5-0 is on our minds, that is the new motivation for us,” said the man who is now being called ‘mature Mad Max’ by his teammates.
Australia, most likely will include Nathan Lyon in the playing XI to give more balance to their attack. Even though skipper Steve Smith was not available for comment, coach Darren Lehmann hinted at some changes in the batting order. “There is always that urge to try out (James) Faulkner at No. 3,” said Lehmann. But was quick to add: Nothing’s been decided though.” PTI
