India 2-3 Australia: Key learnings from the ODI series
The Indian cricket team succumbed to an ODI series loss against Australia at home despite being 2-0 up at one stage. The Aussies fought back to take the series 3-2 after scripting an incredible tale of comeback. The deciding match of the series saw the Aussies win by 35 runs in Delhi on Wednesday. Here are the key learnings from the ODI series.
Usman Khawaja doesn't throw away the good touch
Usman Khawaja was the star of this Australia side and contributed immensely in the five-match series. He made the most of his form as he decimated Indian bowlers atop. His scores of 104, 91 and 100 helped Aussies get that desired platform to post big totals. With this, Khawaja looks to have nailed his spot for the 2019 World Cup.
Aussies get the desired balance to hurt teams
Australia peaked at a good time ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019. They had the desired balance and fought back as a team. The overall show will please skipper Aaron Finch. Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins stood out with the ball during the most crucial moments. Middle order batsman Peter Handscomb could be effective for Australia during the Cricket World Cup 2019.
Rishabh Pant isn't ready yet for the World Cup
All eyes were on Rishabh Pant and how he would use this ODI series to stake a claim for the 2019 World Cup. He got opportunities in the final two matches and he disappointed. His wicket-keeping blunders saw Aussies run away with the match in Mohali. Pant (16) failed to show any character during the chase in Delhi. The youngster isn't ready yet.
India's problem remains the number four spot
No Indian batsman has sealed the crucial number four spot. This is a major worry going into the World Cup. Ambati Rayudu failed in three consecutive innings. Makeshift batsmen KL Rahul and Pant didn't offer the cushion in their lone outings at number four. Rayudu will get the nod for the World Cup, but as a senior cricketer he needs to be more responsible.
Jadeja's batting looks problematic, Shankar looks decent
Ravindra Jadeja is a bowling all-rounder and it means that India won't go with him as the second all-rounder. Vijay Shankar will join Hardik Pandya in India's World Cup squad. Shankar has shown his quality, but he isn't the finished product at the moment. India are a lot dependent on the top three and this could prove to their Achilles' heel.
