Australia vs India: Third ODI Preview
Australia is geared up to face India in the third and final ODI of the series on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The hosts have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, providing them with the opportunity to test their bench strength and offer chances to players who have not yet featured. With their eyes set on a clean sweep, Australia aims to carry this momentum into the upcoming T20 series.
On the other hand, India will be looking to bounce back after suffering defeats in the first two ODIs, ultimately losing the series. The visitors will be determined to secure a win in the final match to end the ODI leg on a positive note before shifting their focus to the T20 format.
Sydney Cricket Ground — Pitch Report
The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is known for its batting-friendly conditions, with the ball coming nicely onto the bat, allowing batters to play their shots freely. Fast bowlers will need to put in extra effort to extract movement and pick up wickets, while as the match progresses, spinners are likely to come into play with the pitch offering them assistance if they maintain disciplined lines and lengths.
Probable Playing 11s
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
India: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh
Probable Best Performers of the Match
Probable Best Batter — Shubman Gill: Indian captain Shubman Gill could play a crucial role for India in this match. Despite a slow start in the series, Gill is known for his ability to build long innings and dominate opposition attacks. He will be eager to lead from the front and anchor India’s batting effort against the Australian bowlers.
Probable Best Bowler — Adam Zampa: Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa could be the key bowler in this encounter. With an impressive performance in the second ODI, where he claimed a four-wicket haul, Zampa will look to outsmart the Indian batters with his variations and help Australia secure a clean sweep in the series.
Match Prediction
Based on analysis and instinct, the prediction for the match is that the chasing team will emerge victorious. Australia and India will battle it out at the Sydney Cricket Ground in what promises to be an exciting and competitive clash between two cricketing powerhouses.
Key Players to Watch Out For
Travis Head (Australia): Travis Head has been in exceptional form in the series, scoring crucial runs for Australia. His aggressive batting style and ability to accelerate the scoring rate make him a key player to watch out for in the final ODI. Head’s performance will be crucial in setting up a challenging total for India.
Virat Kohli (India): As one of the best batsmen in the world, Virat Kohli will be under pressure to deliver a match-winning performance for India. Known for his consistency and ability to thrive under pressure situations, Kohli will look to lead India’s batting line-up and steer them towards a competitive total against Australia.
Team Strategies
Australia, being in a comfortable position with a series win already secured, may opt to experiment with their line-up and give opportunities to fringe players. This could be a chance for players like Matt Renshaw and Cooper Connolly to make a mark and solidify their place in the team for future series.
On the other hand, India will be focused on salvaging pride by winning the final ODI. The team will look to address their batting collapses in the previous matches and put up a strong batting performance against the Australian bowling attack. The bowlers, especially Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel, will be expected to pick up early wickets and put pressure on the Australian batters.
Historical Context
The rivalry between Australia and India has always been intense and closely contested. Both teams have a rich cricketing history and have produced memorable encounters in the past. The Sydney Cricket Ground has been witness to some classic battles between these two sides, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the final ODI of the series.
Final Thoughts
As the stage is set for the final ODI between Australia and India, cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest between two competitive teams. While Australia will aim for a clean sweep, India will be determined to salvage some pride with a victory. The match promises to be a fitting conclusion to the ODI series, with players from both sides looking to make a mark and leave a lasting impact.
Stay tuned for an action-packed clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground as Australia and India lock horns in the final showdown of the series.
