Former India spinner R Ashwin argued that Kuldeep Yadav should be included in India's XI for the last ODI against Australia in Sydney, saying that having the left-arm wrist spinner in the squad gave variety to India's bowling assault. The third ODI of the series will be played on October 25, Saturday.

Kuldeep is yet to feature in either of India's two ODI matches Down Under this season, with the Men in Blue falling behind 2-0 against the hosts on Thursday, securing a three-match ODI series victory for Australia. India lost the second ODI in Adelaide by two wickets, while having lost the first match in Perth.

“Axar and Washi both picked up wickets, so we can’t fault them. But what did we discuss in the last match? It is about taking your wickets. How did Adam Zampa take 4 wickets? His ball was also spinning. I think that is where the real key is. Tell me this, has Cooper Connolly ever played Kuldeep? No. Matthew Short might have played (Kuldeep) here and there. Alex Carey has played a little bit but has struggled against Kuldeep. Mitchell Owen hasn’t ever played against Kuldeep,” Ashwin said on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat.

“With all due respect, this batting lineup of Australia hasn’t played against Kuldeep. And don’t forget that everybody who has come up against Kuldeep initially has struggled. So keeping him out of the team is not a very wise call, I feel. I hope he gets a game in the next match. We can say Harshit Rana has made runs and has also taken wickets. But still, Kuldeep is Kuldeep. If you play him, you’ll have some extra ammunition,” he added.

Rohit Sharma roared to form, scoring 73 runs, while Shreyas Iyer made 61 runs, adding 118 runs for the third wicket. Axar Patel made 44 runs, and Harshit Rana’s 24* in 18 balls helped India score 264/9 in 50 overs.

In response, Matt Short made 78 and Cooper Conolly made 61*, while Mitchell Owen’s 36 and Matt Renshaw’s 30 took Australia past the finishing line in 46.2 overs with two wickets in hand.