Nagpur ODI: Aussies hopeful of a win against India to gain momentum for Ashes

For Australia, the final ODI in Nagpur poses no real significance apart from gaining momentum with the Ashes in six weeks. Steven Smith's troops will be looking at the final match to build energy and confidence before the much-anticipated Ashes series. Three nights ago in Bangalore, Smith was desperate as he dived around the ground with conscious effort of trying to inspire his team and drag them out of the losing habit. Smith is aware that losing and winning are both contagious habits. Last year, Australia were whitewashed 0-5 in the ODI series in South Africa. At the time, it seemed the loss was insignificant, but soon later, cracks that appeared during the ODIs, were exposed in the longer format as well. A month later Australia went on to lose a Test series against South Africa on home soil.

Oz skipper Steven Smith is cheerful during a practice session in Nagpur. Pic/PTI

Once again this year, Australia will experience the same scenario and it will bring back the same memories if they lose the fifth ODI against India today. During the ongoing ODI series, India have proved that the Australian batting is still extremely fragile and there is far too much reliance on Smith and David Warner. The Australian skipper might be regarded as the best player in the team, but reality is that apart from Kolkata, he is yet to conjure up a big score. Every batsman that has played the game wants runs under his belt and Smith is no exception. He is aware that no amount of nets or training drills can replicate the hard fought runs scored in the middle. Runs against a formidable team like India will hold him in good stead ahead of the Ashes. By no means will this be a dead rubber to him or the team. After all, they know from their experience last year that regardless of the format, momentum is key towards winning or losing.