The two matches in the series so far have witnessed totals in the high 290s and both times Australia, who have had a wretched time in ODIs since the Champions Trophy, have tested India after winning the toss and batting first. The toss could yet again be crucial at MCG after India pulled off an improbable win at Adelaide in the death overs courtesy a MS Dhoni special.
The vastness of the MCG and the effect of spinners here could give India an edge, but the surface is expected to be a belter with loads of runs in it which could mean we might witness the first 300-plus ODI score in the series. India might want to bring in extra protection with the bowling and Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been warming the bench thus far, could get a look in. Australia might decide to use Maxwell higher up the order.
Conditions: A high-scoring match expected despite the big ground given that the wicket is a belter.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: MS Dhoni (8.5 credits)
With back to back half-centuries, MS Dhoni has proven quite a few detractors wrong, particularly with his match-winning knock at Adelaide where he swiftly moved from a sedate start to a rollicking finish. Dhoni has been in play because the top-four haven't been as dominating as they were expected to be and with Carey not clicking, the Indian keeper is a good choice for Friday's match.
Batsman: Shaun Marsh (9 credits)
Marsh has four hundreds in his
The two matches in the series so far have witnessed totals in the high 290s and both times Australia, who have had a wretched time in ODIs since the Champions Trophy, have tested India after winning the toss and batting first. The toss could yet again be crucial at MCG after India pulled off an improbable win at Adelaide in the death overs courtesy a MS Dhoni special.
The vastness of the MCG and the effect of spinners here could give India an edge, but the surface is expected to be a belter with loads of runs in it which could mean we might witness the first 300-plus ODI score in the series. India might want to bring in extra protection with the bowling and Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been warming the bench thus far, could get a look in. Australia might decide to use Maxwell higher up the order.
Conditions: A high-scoring match expected despite the big ground given that the wicket is a belter.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: MS Dhoni (8.5 credits)
With back to back half-centuries, MS Dhoni has proven quite a few detractors wrong, particularly with his match-winning knock at Adelaide where he swiftly moved from a sedate start to a rollicking finish. Dhoni has been in play because the top-four haven't been as dominating as they were expected to be and with Carey not clicking, the Indian keeper is a good choice for Friday's match.
Batsman: Shaun Marsh (9 credits)
Marsh has four hundreds in his last eight ODI matches and is in the form of his life in this format. What makes him an enticing pick is the manner in which he has handled India's spinners. He has stepped out to counter Jadeja and Kuldeep and runs have come fairly easily. Marsh should be a great pick given his recent form.
All-rounder: Glenn Maxwell (9 credits)
Maxwell is underutilized at No. 7 in the batting line-up but after a superb cameo at Adelaide where he might have created further destruction had he come up the order, Australia will surely be pondering a promotion for him in the batting line-up. Carey looks a touch lost at the top and Khawaja could open with Maxwell at 5 or 6 and Carey at 7.
Bowler: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (8.5 credits)
Bhuvneshwar's new ball spells and death over bowling makes him a good pick in your fantasy side for the decider. With the big ground ensuring most high elevation shots stay within the ropes, Bhuvneshwar will be tough to tackle at Melbourne. He seemed a touch rusty at Sydney but found his rhythm at Adelaide and should carry on the good work at Melbourne.
Captain: Virat Kohli
Vice-captain: Shaun Marsh
