What Fifth ODI of the tri-nation series When January 26, 2015 Where Sydney Cricket Ground The Teams India India have suffered two losses in as many games in the ongoing tri-nation series and chances of making it to the final look bleak. The calculation for India is rather simple - Win both games and seal a finale berth. If India lose their game against Australia at the SCG, they will be left with a dismal run-rate and would have to win the next game against England with a bonus point. India are yet to win a game this Australian summer and these scenarios would be occupying their mind when they walk out at the SCG on Republic day/Australia day. A big day for both teams, but holds more relevance for India with respect to the series at hand. India are yet to show the promised prowess in blue and would want to start winning from here on ahead of the World Cup. India could ring-in some changes after captain MS Dhoni confirmed in the pre-match press conference that Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja were available for selection at the SCG. Australia Australia are already confirmed a place in the final and sit pretty at the top of the table with three wins on the trot and 13 points. They are on-song having posted victories owing to a stellar all-round performance in all three games. If it was a David Warner special to help them coast in the first ODI against England, it was Mitchell Starc’s disciplined bowling and Steven Smith’s characteristic ton that showed them the way in the following ODIs. The only area of concern for Australia would be their death bowling and they would be looking to sharpen that aspect of their game in the forthcoming ODIs. On the team selection front, Captain George Bailey made it clear that they will be using this ODI as a perfect opportunity to try out combinations ahead of the World Cup and one can expect changes in the playing XI at the SCG. On one hand as India strive to register their first win in the competition, expect Australia to bank on the momentum and continue their winning streak on Australia day. Key Players India After a Test series full of runs, Virat Kohli has not set the ODI stage on fire this series. With just thirteen runs in two games and limited time in the middle, Kohli would be looking to get back to his groove before the all important World Cup. India are in a spot of bother and they need one of their most important players to strike ODI form soon. Australia When it comes to the SCG, David Warner sure knows how to put forth his A game irrespective of the opposition. Warner would be having fond memories of his ton in the run-chase at the SCG against England a week back and if his bat does the talking at the top of the order, India are in for a lot of trouble. Stat-Attack Average first innings score at Sydney (overall): 218 Average first innings score at Sydney (since 2000): 245 Average second innings score at Sydney (overall): 185 Average second innings score at Sydney (since 2000): 194 Result summary at Sydney:

Head-to-head:

Last meeting between both sides at Sydney: Feb 26, 2012- Australia 252-9 (50 overs), India 165 (39.3 overs). Australia won by 87 runs Form guide (most recent listed first): India: Lost, Lost, Won, Won, Won Australia: Won, Won, Won, Won, Won Pace vs Spin at Sydney (Who has been more effective) Since 2000

Trivia India have a rather poor record against Australia in tournaments comprising of only 3 teams, with a win-percentage of just 23. In tournaments comprising 4 or more teams, India have a win-percentage of 41 against Australia. Australia have suffered only two losses in last 20 ODIs in Australia. They have won 17, while one match was no result. The Squads India: MS Dhoni (Captain), Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Md. Shami, Stuart Binny, Umesh Yadav, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mohit Sharma. Australia: Aaron Finch, David Warner, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, George Bailey (capt), Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin (wk), James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Josh Hazlewood,Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, G Sandhu .