Australia vs India 2018/19: Predicting India's team combination for the third ODI

#4 Pacers

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Shami has almost guaranteed his place as the 3rd pacer for World Cup 2019.

In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has led the Indian pace attack brilliantly in the series so far and is currently the leading wicket taker in the series with 6 wickets from two matches.

Back in Indian one-day setup after a superb performance in the recently concluded test series Down Under, Mohammed Shami has done reasonably well with the ball so far in two ODI matches by picking up 3 wickets at a good economy rate of 5.2. Shami's good bowling performance at Sydney and Adelaide, has also improved Shami's chances of making it to the Indian squad for World Cup 2019 in England as the third fast bowler.

One of the key areas which has troubled the Indian team in these series has been the runs leaked by the third pacer, as both Khaleel Ahmed and Mohammed Siraj have gone for plenty in the two matches so far.

With Indian team least likely to go with 3 front line spinners in an ODI match especially at overseas conditions, so it is safe to assume that either of Khaleel or Siraj will be part of the Indian playing XI at Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Siraj being the most likely one to make the cut into the playing XI.