What

Last of the three-match ODI series between South Africa and India

When

Wednesday, December 11, 2013. Time: 13:30 local, 11:30 GMT, 17:00 IST

Where

SuperSport Park, Centurion, South Africa

The Teams

India

The Indians were defeated in the first two ODIs. It will take immense amount of grit and strength of character for them to make their way back to victory. Although the series has been lost, an improved performance in Centurion is absolutely necessary for the morale of MS Dhoni’s men going into the Tests.

Dhoni went with some proactive changes in the Playing XI in Durban, especially on the bowling front. While Ishant Sharma justified his selection to a certain extent with an economy rate of 5.42, Umesh Yadav gave away 7.50 runs per over. However, given he is making a comeback and he has pace on his side, Umesh can expect to play in Centurion, where the conditions will be more suitable for the pacers than they were at Durban. Ajinkya Rahane got his chance after a long time, in the second ODI and if he wants to hold on to his spot, he will have to buck up in the last match.

South Africa

There’s not much to think about for the hosts as they prepare to take field for the final ODI. One thing that could be on the Proteas team management’s mind is preparing some players for the Test series. Graeme Smith has rejoined the team after the death of his grandmother. He sat out the first two matches and it won’t be a bad idea to give him some game-time before the Tests. If Smith plays, the decision will be whether to leave out a batsman or a bowler. David Miller, JP Duminy or Ryan McLaren might be rested.

Another concern the Proteas are facing is the indifferent form of Jacques Kallis. However, the very fact that Kallis has been re-inducted in the ODI squad, means he is a part of South Africa’s one-day plans. The team would love to see him get some runs under his belt before the Tests.

Key Players

India

The only Indian bowler who has come out unscathed from the first two matches is Mohammed Shami. Supersport Park in Centurion has a wicket that will give the quick and sharp Indian pacer more to play with. His pace colleagues in the team will do well to pick a leaf from his book in terms of his line and length.

South Africa

It was the South African opening pair of Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock that took the game away from India’s grasp with 150-plus stand in both games so far. Breaking their partnership early will be the priority for the Indians.

Statistics

Matches at Centurion

Result summary:

Average first innings score (overall): 238

Average first innings score (last 5 matches): 211

Trivia

·India have never beaten South Africa in a series in South Arica. They have lost four out of four. In fact South Africa have lost to a sub-continent side only once at home. That was recently when South Africa lost to Pakistan 2-1.

·MS Dhoni is just one short of 300 wicketkeeping dismissals in ODIs. He will become first Indian and only the fourth wicketkeeper to effect 300 dismissals. Others are – Adam Gilchrist (472), Mark Boucher (424) and Kumar Sangakkara (423)

The Squads

India: MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Amit Mishra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma.

South Africa: AB de Villiers (cap), Hashim Amla, Greame Smith, Jacques Kallis, Henry Davids, Quinton de Kock (wk), JP Duminy, David Miller,Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Ryan McLaren, Wayne Parnell, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Vernon Philander, Imran Tahir.