Event of the Day: Australia versus India

Our event of the day is the third ODI between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The ODI series is tied at 1-1 so it’s all to the play for today. Australia will be keen to claim their first ODI series win in almost two years, while India will look to complete a rare double over Australia, having won the four match Test series earlier this month. Both teams are hungry for success today so be sure you don’t miss this exciting match. India have already made this tour of Australia historic. Their 2-1 Test series victory marked their first win in the format on Australian soil. As they travel to Melbourne for the third and final one-day international, they have the chance to win their first bilateral ODI series on Australian soil. This ODI series has been a back and forth battle for dominance. Despite an impressive century of 133 from Rohit Sharma, batting inconsistencies and strong Australian bowling meant that India fell short in chasing Australia’s total of 288 runs in the first ODI. However, they rallied in the second ODI, enjoying a century of 104 from Virat Kohli as well as strong performances from other batsmen in the top half of India’s order. As has happened many times before, MS Dhoni was the man to lead India across the finish line. They surpassed Australia’s total of 298 with 4 balls remaining in the match. 

Australia will be eager to win today, as they have not won an ODI series in almost two years, winning only four of their last twenty-three ODI fixtures. In preparation for this final ODI, the hosts have replaced bowler Nathan Lyon with Adam Zampa. Despite praise from captain Aaron Finch, Lyon has not taken a single wicket during this ODI series and so will yield his spot as the frontline spinner in the team. Lyon and Zampa are competing for the role of frontline spinner come the Cricket World Cup later this year. India also have a bowling selection decision to make today, choosing between offspinner Kedar Jadhav and seamer Vijay Shankar for the sixth bowling spot in the side. After today, the teams will meet for five ODIs and two T20s in India in February before they meet at the Oval on June 9th for their Cricket World Cup group match. Both sides are extremely eager to win today and win the series, so expect an exciting day of cricket.

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the European Rugby Champions Cup, where Edinburgh host Montpellier at BT Murrayfield Stadium. This is a must win match for both sides. A win for Edinburgh will guarantee them a place in the next stage of the competition. They currently lead the group with 19 points with their only loss in the competition coming against Montpellier back in October. Given the talent in this year’s competition, second place is unlikely to be good enough to qualify for the knockout stage. Montpellier can steal first place if they beat Edinburgh. Edinburgh last reached the knockout stage of the competition in 2012, when they reached the semi-finals. Montpellier reached the quarterfinals in 2013. Both teams will be eager to reach the next round and so, expect a match you won’t want to miss. Elsewhere, in the NBA, the Utah Jazz host the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. In the Scottish Cup, Cowdenbeath host Rangers at Central Park. The CareerBuilder Challenge Golf continues at the PGA West Golf Course. In the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks host the Buffalo Sabres at Rogers Arena. The Australian Open continues at Melbourne Park.

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

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Photos by ICC Cricket

 

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