The Australian cricket team piles on runs in dead rubber as India’s confidence takes a hit before the World Cup
With the series already sealed, nobody is interested in the match apart from the full-capacity crowd at the SCA Stadium in Rajkot. The IND vs. AUS 3rd ODI ended up becoming a glorified practice match for Australian batsmen as they piled on 352 runs, opting to bat. And Indian bowlers, who were high on confidence, took the biggest hit. All except Washington Sundar gave away over six runs and an over, with Prasidh Krishna and Jasprit Bumrah being the most expensive ones.
From the onset, even the BCCI considered the match a formality. Rohit Sharma had just 13 players left in the squad to choose from with illness and rest for players. With Ishan Kishan also ruled out with a viral illness, the number came down to 12. As a lack of manpower hit Team India, they were forced to recruit Saurashtra players to carry drinks and assist in fielding as substitutes in the IND vs. AUS 3rd ODI.