India vs. Australia Prediction: India has found their momentum before the World Cup and will be looking to whitewash Australia 3-0

India will be facing off against Australia in the third and final game of the three-game series at Saurashtra Cricket Association, Rajkot. India has found their momentum before the World Cup and will be looking to whitewash Australia 3-0. Who will win this game?

India form

India has showcased exceptional form in recent months. Following their historic 8th Asia Cup win, they continued their winning streak against Australia, even in the absence of some senior players during the first two ODIs.

With the impending World Cup and this being their final international fixture before the tournament, we can expect the return of key players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya to the playing eleven. Given the stellar performances of most players, the team management faces the challenging task of deciding who to include and who to leave out.

For the last ODI, Shardul Thakur and Shubman Gill have been rested. Thakur's absence might indicate that the management believes he has had sufficient opportunities and is now considering squad changes.

Ravichandran Ashwin demonstrated his bowling prowess in the previous match, reinforcing his case for inclusion in the World Cup squad. Shreyas Iyer, who struggled with form due to an injury, made a triumphant return with a brilliant century, likely securing his spot.

Suryakumar Yadav's timely return to form adds an unpredictable element to the ODI team, making him a near-essential selection.

Overall, the host team is in excellent condition and aims to build on its impressive form. This match could potentially field India's strongest lineup, offering a glimpse of the final World Cup squad composition.

India Predicted Lineup

KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Shardul Thakur, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Australia form

In contrast to India, Australia has reason to be concerned about their recent performance, having suffered five consecutive losses and two series defeats. Despite boasting a roster of quality players, Australia has struggled to identify the right combination, posing a challenge for the team management. David Warner, however, has shown a resurgence in form at an opportune moment, registering half-centuries in both of the previous matches. He is expected to partner with Mitchell Marsh in opening the batting.

The middle order features Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, both of whom have made promising starts but must aim to convert them into substantial innings. Matthew Short had a couple of opportunities, but his performances have not shone, possibly leading to his replacement by Glenn Maxwell in the upcoming fixture.

Maxwell's inclusion adds dynamism to the Australian middle order and introduces a spin-bowling option during the middle overs. Given Cameron Green's recent struggles with both bat and ball, Maxwell's role becomes even more pivotal. Australia's bowlers have also faced challenges in delivering standout performances. Spencer Johnson made his ODI debut in the last match but remained wicketless, potentially making way for Mitchell Starc's return. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Sean Abbott are likely to maintain their positions, while Adam Zampa will serve as the sole full-time spinner. Similar to India, Australia is set to field its strongest lineup for this match.

Australia Lineup

Adam Zampa, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, David Warner, Sean Abbott, Alex Carrey, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins

Expert betting tips

Similar to the conditions in Indore, the Rajkot pitch is anticipated to be a haven for batsmen. The historical average first-inning total at this venue stands at 312 runs. The surface is typically flat, offering minimal assistance to bowlers during the initial stages of the match. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, favoring the spinners. The weather forecast predicts warm conditions with abundant sunshine, and temperatures are expected to hover around the 30-degree mark.

Although Australia is undeniably one of the top cricket teams, their recent struggles in several matches make it challenging to support them. Conversely, India has displayed clinical form, and we anticipate their winning streak to persist. Therefore, our recommendation is to place your bet on India securing the victory.