(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India will face Australia in the third ODI of the series, which is a dead-rubber on September 27 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot.
While India have given a rest to a few of their World Cup-bound players, Axar Patel, who was in the initial squas for the Wednesday’s clash, has now been ruled out as he is yet to recover from an injury he picked up during the Asia Cup 2023.
As Axar could miss the upcoming World Cup also, it opens a window for Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently made his ODI comeback and bagged three wickets in the Indore fixture on Sunday.
Addressing the media on the eve of the match, India captain Rohit Sharma was asked about Ashwin. In his reply, he praised the veteran for his class and opined that it is a blessing for India that their back-ups, including the off-spinner, are ready to be put into the World Cup squad, if need be.
“We cannot take away the class & experience of Ashwin. He bowled really well & has got some good variations up his sleeve. In case there is a chance, it works well for us because the backups are ready for the World Cup,” Rohit said as quoted.
Ashwin will be in action tomorrow and as it will be India’s final match before the World Cup, he would have to deliver another solid performance to strengthen his case.