Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Time: 2:30 PM local time (9:00 AM IST)
Toss: 8:30 AM IST
Series Status: Australia lead 2-0
What to Expect
Australia will push for a clean sweep after winning in Perth and Adelaide, while India fight to avoid what would be only their sixth ODI series whitewash in history.
The weather forecast is ideal with partly cloudy conditions, a maximum temperature around 24°C, and very low chance of rain. This means we should get a full 50-over game under the lights.
The Sydney Cricket Ground pitch traditionally offers something for everyone. Seamers can find bounce and movement early, especially under lights, while spinners gain grip and turn as the match progresses. Teams batting first have won nine of the last ODIs at the SCG, making the toss crucial.
Likely Playing XIs
Australia (Likely XI)
Source: ESPNcricinfo
Australia might rest Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc due to just one day’s rest between matches. Here’s their expected lineup:
- Mitchell Marsh (c)
- Travis Head
- Matthew Short
- Matt Renshaw
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Cooper Connolly
- Mitchell Owen
- Xavier Bartlett
- Jack Edwards / Mitchell Starc (likely)
- Adam Zampa
- Nathan Ellis / Josh Hazlewood (likely)
Note: Nathan Ellis, who performed well in the first ODI, might be recalled.
India (Likely XI)
Source: ESPNcricinfo, Cricket Times
India decided to stick with the same XI in Adelaide but changes are almost certain. The biggest change expected:
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Axar Patel
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Kuldeep Yadav (likely in)
- Prasidh Krishna / Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Siraj
Key Change: Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav is expected to replace either Washington Sundar or Nitish Kumar Reddy. Some reports also suggest Prasidh Krishna could replace Harshit Rana, who has been expensive in the series.
Players to Watch
| Batters | Why Watch Them |
|---|---|
| Travis Head (AUS) | Destructive opener who can change games quickly |
| Rohit Sharma (IND) | Scored 73 in Adelaide, finding his rhythm |
| Virat Kohli (IND) | Needs runs after back-to-back ducks |
| Matt Renshaw (AUS) | Gets another chance to cement his spot |
| Bowlers | Why Watch Them |
|---|---|
| Josh Hazlewood (AUS) | Dominated India’s top order (if he plays) |
| Kuldeep Yadav (IND) | Expected return could add spin threat |
| Adam Zampa (AUS) | Key spinner on SCG’s turning pitch |
| Mohammed Siraj (IND) | India’s strike bowler needs early wickets |
Match Prediction
Australia’s batters have feasted at the SCG, piling on huge scores during their current six-game winning streak in ODIs at the ground. They’re clear favorites playing at home with momentum on their side.
However, India’s top-order has been completely pinned down by Josh Hazlewood, and if he’s rested, India’s batting stars might finally get freedom to score big. Kuldeep Yadav has previously taken a five-wicket haul in Test cricket at Sydney, so his expected inclusion could trouble Australia’s batters.
Winner: Australia slight favorites, but India’s changes could make this competitive. The toss will be crucial, with batting first the preferred option.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, Cricket Times, Crictoday, Sportskeeda
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