As Team India left the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) after the first ODI on Friday, the groundstaff had already started working on the pitch for today's second ODI. The first thing the players would have taken note of is the short boundary on one side of the ground.

The small dimensions on one side mean India need to be a lot smarter with their strategy with both ball and bat. The lack of bowling options in the Top 6 means India will need to tinker with a bowling unit that conceded 374 runs two days ago. Pacer Navdeep Saini and spinner Yuzvendra Chahal could come under the scanner after their poor performances in the opening match. There is a strong chance that T Natarajan will replace Mohammed Shami or Saini. The weather will also play a vital role with temperatures expected to touch 43C by late afternoon. The short boundaries, a hot day and a short turnaround mean the team will be hoping Virat Kohli can win the toss and bat on another placid SCG pitch.