Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes that the pitch at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai will favor Team India as the Men in Blue gear up to take on Australia in the decider of the three-match ODI series on Wednesday (March 22).
With the three-match ODI series level at 1-1, the Indian cricket team will be looking to bounce back from the 10-wicket loss in the second ODI to clinch the series on Wednesday in Chennai.
Well, Jaffer feels Australian pacer Mitchell Starc might not be as effective in Chennai as he was in the second Test, where he wreaked havoc on the Indian batters, taking five wickets in Vishakapatnam, because the pitch would not have that much swing.
Wasim Jaffer was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo: “I think Chennai's pitch will favor Team India. Mitchell Starc might not be as effective due to lack of swing and sideways movement at the venue. Hence, India's batters might be comfortable.”
He added, “The ball might also spin; hence, India have a better chance against Mitchell Marsh, although no boundary seems short when he plays that way. He has delivered the results, so Marsh's wicket will be critical. If the ball spins, Marsh can somewhat struggle in Chennai.”
The 45-year-old is also expecting a similar India playing XI that played in the second ODI in the third and final ODI while claiming conditions will be easier for batters in Chennai.
Jaffer signed off by saying, “I don't think we will see changes for team India. However, they will have to improve their approach. From the batters' perspective, it will be better as I don't think there will be too much sideways movement.”
