Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) ground stats: What's in store for India vs Australia 3rd ODI?

Sydney Cricket Ground ODI stats [Source: @scg/X.com]

After securing the series with a 2-0 lead, Australia is set to compete with India in the final ODI at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The match will be held on October 25 at 9:00 AM IST.

Despite the series’ fate being decided, there’s still plenty to play for, such as pride, momentum, and crucial preparation for future campaigns.

India will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep, while Australia will look to continue their dominance on home soil. But if recent history is anything to go by, fans can expect plenty of runs and fireworks under the Sydney sun.

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Bat first, win big, will be the winning formula at SCG

(Table: ODI stats at SCG)

The SCG has developed a fascinating reputation in recent years, as it heavily favours teams that bat first. In fact, the side batting first has won 9 of the last 10 ODIs here, thus making the toss almost as crucial as the first few overs.

Since 2016, teams batting first have averaged a massive 315.7 runs per inning at a run rate of 6.31. Nobody has been bowled out batting first in this period, which tells you just how flat and batting-friendly the surface can be.

With hot and dry conditions forecast for Sydney this weekend, another belter of a pitch is on the cards. Overall, the SCG is most likely to be a paradise for batters and a test for bowlers on Saturday.

Pace vs spin comparison

(Table: Pace vs Spin stats at SCG in last 10 ODIs)

The Sydney Cricket Ground has traditionally offered some help to spinners, but in recent ODIs, the numbers show a close fight between pace and spin.

Interestingly, both pace and spin bowlers have managed two four-wicket hauls each in the last ten ODIs here. 

Among the quicks, Josh Hazlewood stands tall with 20 wickets at an average of just 19.40, proving deadly with his accuracy and bounce on home turf. Mitchell Starc, on the other hand, has had mixed fortunes, taking only seven wickets at a high average of 52.71. 

For the spinners, Adam Zampa has been brilliant, picking 19 wickets in his last eight ODIs at the SCG, averaging 22.00 with an economy under six. 

India’s Kuldeep Yadav also bowled impressively in his only ODI here, picking up 2/54 in 2020.

Hence, India should consider giving Kuldeep some game time after ignoring him in the first 2 ODIs.

Stars to watch out for

• Rohit Sharma loves batting at the SCG, as he’s scored 333 runs in five innings at an average of 66.60, including a brilliant century. After his half-century in Adelaide, he’ll be India’s biggest hope to set the tone at the top.
• For Australia, captain Mitch Marsh has been in red-hot form. He’s the home team’s most consistent batter at this venue among active players, with 235 runs at an average of 58.75, with two fifties and a century.
• From bowlers, Josh Hazlewood has picked 21 wickets in 11 ODIs played at SCG with a 24.09 average and a 5.22 economy.

Final thought

With the series already decided, the pressure is off for Australia but sky-high for India. 

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) promises another run-fest, and with stars like Rohit, Kohli, Marsh, and Zampa in action, fans could be in for a fittingly thrilling finale.

If history is any guide, the team that bats first might just have an edge before the lights come on at the SCG.

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