Aussies get morale boost in India as World Cup campaign heats up

Australia has bounced back onto the winners’ list with Glenn Maxwell starring in the 66-run victory in the third and final one-day match against India at Rajkot on Wednesday.

It was a consolation victory for the Australians after they lost the opening two matches of the series, but they will be pleased with several key players bouncing back to form just over a week out from their first 50-Over World Cup match on October 8.

Australia is on the third line of betting to win the World Cup, priced at $5, with India ($3) and England ($4.50) ahead of them at the top cricket bookmakers.

The victory ended a five match losing streak for the Australians, who will now have to deeply ponder including Marnus Labuschange in the 15-man World Cup squad, with the gun batsman excelling in the lead-up matches.

The Aussies victory was spearhead by Glenn Maxwell, who took a career best 4-34, to show he will be an important cog in their World Cup campaign, with it given more merit considering he is on the comeback trail from injury.

Maxwell played a crucial role by taking the first three wickets of India’s innings, counteracting the earlier momentum established by Rohit Sharma’s dynamic 81 off 57 balls. Australia’s formidable top order—Mitch Marsh (96), David Warner (56), and Steve Smith (74)—each contributed half-centuries, setting a record total at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Labuschagne’s timely 58-ball 72 became crucial in light of the forthcoming World Cup squad selection deadline, offering the selectors a valuable option. The 29-year-old Queenslander has recently delivered impressive scores, positioning himself as a strong contender to replace the injured Travis Head’s, who is currently recovering from a hand fracture.

Despite a strong start, Australia experienced a mid-inning slump but recovered thanks to Labuschagne’s strategic play. He expertly navigated the field, minimising dot balls and maintaining a striking rate above 124 runs per 100 balls, showcasing the substantial improvement he’s made since rejoining the team.

Supported by Pat Cummins, Labuschagne participated in a crucial 46-run stand for the seventh wicket, pushing Australia’s total to 7-352, a figure that surpassed India’s previous record at the venue. Even with the formidable trio of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, Australia struggled with the new ball, as evidenced by Sharma’s powerful start for India.

Maxwell, returning after recovering from leg soreness and celebrating the birth of his first child, claimed India’s first wicket in the 11th over.

Earlier in the day, Australia set the match alight during their Powerplay, with Warner and Marsh capitalising on India’s mistakes to set a promising initial score.

Despite their vigorous efforts, the heat in Rajkot took a toll on both Marsh and Smith. Marsh fell short of a second ODI ton, later commenting on the challenging weather conditions.

“Probably the hottest conditions I have ever faced as a batter,” he said.

“The wicket was beautiful but as you could see I was pretty cooked towards the end there.”

Although Maxwell didn’t shine with the bat, he took crucial wickets, including those of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (56), and Shreyas Iyer (48), which proved decisive. Australia’s pace trio also contributed significantly, ultimately bowling out India for 286 in the final over.

After this series, which India won 2-1, both teams will engage in two warm-up matches before clashing again in Chennai on October 8 to commence their World Cup campaigns.

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