After three disappointing defeats, India lost in a sorry fashion in the fourth ODI in Canberra. Darren Lehmann called it an “unlosable game” afterwards and he wasn't wrong. “We got out of jail with that one,” the Australia coach said. “The challenge is now to finish five-zip.”
While Australia's objective is clear ahead of the fifth and final ODI of the VB Series at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India will find it tough to find motivation after a demoralising defeat.
Virat Kohli felt India had to forget about the first four matches. “We have one ODI and three T20s left. We'd like to win all four games. Look at the whole thing as a tour of eight games rather than two series separately,” he said.
As good an idea as that may be, it would not be very easy to put that into practice. India's bowling looked no better at the Manuka Oval than before. Bhuvneshwar Kumar replaced Barinder Sran but went for 69 runs from his eight overs. What India will do with him remains to be seen. Axar Patel has not played a single game so far and perhaps deserves a chance. Ajinkya Rahane, who split a webbing in his right hand in Canberra, is doubtful to start. The team management has said, however, that he will travel to the ground and a decision will only be made thereafter.
It rained incessantly in Sydney on Friday, washing out the Indian women's team's warm-up game at the Drummoyne Oval. Rain is again predicted for Saturday.
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