(Cricket news) After a thrilling last ball victory in the 2nd W-ODI, Australia won the 3 match series against India. Indian captain Mithali Raj and coach Ramesh Powar have always maintained that this series is the best possible preparation for the World Cup. Which means that India will be treating this match as more than just a consolation.
India lost the 1st W-ODI after a poor performance with the ball as well as the bat. The 2nd W-ODI was a much better performance by the Indians. They were still unable to capitalise on their performance and poor fielding and two no balls cost them the game.
Possible playing XI
India: Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodriguez,Yastika Bhatia, Mithali Raj (C), Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh (WK), Shikha Pandey, Meghna Singh Rajeshwari Gaikwad, Jhulan Goswami, Poonam Yadav.
Shefali Verma went off injured while fielding in the 2nd innings. Jemimah Rodriguez should replace her in the lineup if Shefali is unfit. The extent of Harmanpreet Kaur's thumb injury remains unclear but she wasn't withdrawn from the squad completely which suggests that she should be fit. Experienced all rounder Shikha Pandey hasn't featured in the first two games but might get an opportunity.
Australia: Alyssa Healy (wk), Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning (c), Ellyse Perry,Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Hannah Darlington, Darcie Brown
Rachel Haynes missed the 2nd game due to an elbow injury. The game might be too soon for her return therefore Beth Mooney should retain her opening spot after her century in the last game. Australia may choose to rest a few players but keeping the World Cup in mind there is a strong chance that they retain the same XI
The game may not have any significance in the context of the series but it is an incredible experience from the World Cup perspective. India has struggled to do well in high pressure games for the past few years and playing against Australia in games like the last one is a good learning process for this Indian side.
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