India’s difficulties with the toss in ODIs show no signs of abating. In the third ODI as well, Australia won the toss and chose to bat first, extending India’s run of consecutive toss losses in this format to 18. The last time India had won a toss in ODIs was during the semifinals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium. Despite the streak, it may not necessarily be a disadvantage, as Shubman Gill had previously stated that the team is comfortable bowling first—meaning India are effectively getting the conditions they prefer.

Australia win toss, opt to bat first

Australia won the toss Saturday and decided to bat first in the third and final one-day international against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Australia has already clinched the series 2-0, winning Thursday's match in Adelaide by two wickets. Captain Marsh guided Australia to a seven-wicket victory with an unbeaten 46 in last Sunday's rain-interrupted, series-opening match in Perth.

Australia made one change Saturday — Nathan Ellis back in the side for Xavier Bartlett. India made two — Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna were included.

India's eight-game tour continues with a five-game T20 series starting next Wednesday. After this series, Australia will play the Ashes test series against England.(With inputs from Agencies)