India v Australia 5th ODI 2017 - Australian Predicted XI

With India already holding an unassailable lead in the series, the Australians salvaged some pride winning the fourth One Day International and would be looking forward to making the series scoreline 3-2 as they head to Nagpur for the final game.

While the Australian openers raised their game with a splendid start in the last game, the middle order again showed signs of panic. With Nagpur pitch expected to be a sporting one as the curator suggests, Australia would be looking to finish the ODI series on a sweet note. Here we take a look at the predicted XI for Australia tomorrow:

Openers (David Warner, Aaron Finch)

Finch has been in tremendous form so far in the series. He scored a century and a half century in the two games he played. Having provided the much- needed spine to the Australian batting order, he will once again be the key to Australia’s success in Nagpur.

On the other hand, David Warner announced his return to form with a spectacular hundred. After what was turning out to be a dry patch in the subcontinent, the southpaw was stupendous at the Chinnaswamy Stadium and also ended up winning the Man of the Match for his fabulous 124-run knock.

Middle order (Steve Smith, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell)

Steve Smith hasn’t quite been his extraordinary self in the series so far. While he has scored 2 half centuries, the Aussie skipper hasn’t been able to match his own standards having failed to pile on runs with consistency. With the middle order looking fragile Smith would try to anchor the innings this time and let the likes of Maxwell and others take care of the hitting part.

Peter Handscomb appears to be a fine prospect at No.4. They tried Travis Head in the last game but he looks a misfit and should make way for Maxwell in the XI for the last game. Handscomb is another batsman who can see through the middle phase of the innings with optimum runs and minimum risks which will allow them to go for the kill in the death overs.

While Glenn Maxwell may not be in his best form, everyone knows what a valuable asset he can be for any side. It’s a known fact that the more time Maxwell spends at the crease, the greater impact he will create. If he can calm his inner willingness to hit every ball out of the park, and play according to the situation, he’ll go places.

All-rounder and wicketkeeper (Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade)

Marcus Stoinis has shown his valour with both, the bat and the ball. He has scored runs whenever he’s got the opportunity and also bowled well to pick wickets at crucial junctures. Also, Australia would be looking to persist with regular wicketkeeper Wade. He too would be looking to get a good score on what has been a horrendous tour for him with the bat thus far.

Bowlers (Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Kane Richardson)

Australia won’t be looking to make any change to their bowing lineup. Adam Zampa who was brought back into the game got the wicket of dangerous Hardik Pandya which affected their run rate. Nathan Coulter-Nile has been the top wicket-taker in the series and has enjoyed bowling in India. He has got the better of Virat Kohli on multiple occasions and the Aussies would want him to do that one last time in this series.

Kane Richardson was impressive in the last game as he got three wickets which included the all important wicket of MS Dhoni. On the other hand, Pat Cummins has been quite economical in the series and in Nagpur where we’ve seen batting teams score 300 without much ado, how the Indian batsmen tackle his steam early on in the innings is going to be interesting to watch.