Team India started off the ODI series on a winning note against Australia, despite Rohit Sharma’s absence in the first match due to personal reasons. Hardik Pandya led the team to victory, and India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after clinching a five-wicket win at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round performance earned him the player of the match award, as he contributed with both bat and ball.
However, Australia bounced back in the second ODI held at Visakhapatnam’s Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, completely outplaying India in all three departments of the game. The Indian team was bowled out for a meager 117, with Mitchell Starc claiming a brilliant fifer.
Australia won the second ODI by 10 wickets, leveling the series. As the series decider approaches on March 22 in Chennai, former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer suggested that Sanju Samson could replace Suryakumar Yadav in the third and final ODI.
Yadav, who was dismissed for a golden duck in the first two ODIs against Australia, could make way for Samson in the crucial match. Both teams will be giving their all to secure a series victory.