28 September,2017 12:14 PM IST | Bangalore | Satish Viswanathan
India could make it 4-0, Aussies can console themselves with a win or persistent overnight rain may even make it... Bengalurue at Chinnaswamy
The last time India and Australia faced off in this city, the series (Test series) was on an edge with the visitors having pulled off an unexpected win in Pune. This time around, come the ODI series, it's all very different with the home team well and truly ahead, the five-match series sealed. But the prospect of handing out a 5-0 humiliation to a side that is number one on their hate list should in itself be motivating enough for Virat Kohli and his men.
Also Read: Bengaluru ODI: Yuzvendra Chahal's dot balls may worry Glenn Maxwell
Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli (3R) plays football with his team mates during a practice session ahead of the fourth One Day International (ODI) match of the ongoing India-Australia cricket series at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on September 26, 2017. Pic/AFP
Thriving time for hosts
These are not two teams that get along well and that fact alone provides the Indians with the all-important motivation to stick the knife fully in and not withdraw it after an initial thrust. After all the Indians have been on the receiving end during their tours Down Under, so why not make best of this situation. One of the better ways of dealing with such a situation where they are 3-0 up against the team that has won more World Cups than any other nation is by staying in the present and that's something the Indians seem to be doing.
Also Read: Manish Pandey: I am here to stay for the longest time and win games for India
The three-day break was well used, apart from the break on the travel day, there was no optional practice. Both on Tuesday and yesterday the net sessions may have been lighter than usual but the purpose was clear. This is a hungry team with a really healthy appetite for wins, especially against the 'ugly' Aussies. The best part thus far has been the fact that they have won batting first or second, in short-shortened games or ones that have gone the full distance.
They have won from losing positions and pressed home the advantage when on top. A complete show it must be said. How so different from what the Aussies have produced. Save for some very impressive bursts with the new ball, they have struggled.
One big flop
They haven't been able to chase down modest targets or defend healthy ones, basically making for one big flop. Things such as the Aaron Finch ton too haven't been enough. Hope though is eternal and this is Australia, so do put a small wager on them turning things around. First though the Bangalore weather will have to allow a game. The Indian net session was curtailed and more rain is predicted on match day. Rain was expected to ruin the Kolkata game recently, but spectators at the Eden Gardens went home happy. Will Bangaloreans have the same luck?
Also view photos: Ex-cricketers in their current jobs: Uber driver, bus stand cleaner
