Chasing 353 in the final ODI against Australia, India made the surprise move of promoting Washington Sundar to open alongside Rohit Sharma.

Shubman Gill was rested for the third match of the series, while Ishan Kishan was ruled out by illness, meaning India were left with a dilemma over who should partner their captain at the top of the order. They turned to Sundar, an all-rounder who generally bats in the lower order, playing his first match of the series.

Although this was his first outing as an opener in international cricket, Sundar is no alien to the role. He started as a top-order batter in junior cricket and has opening experiences in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).

Sundar contributed 18 off 30 balls, stitching a 74-run opening stand with Rohit. The move allowed India’s middle-order batters to keep their regular spots, with this their last outing in an ODI ahead of the 2023 World Cup.

Sundar is looking to shore up his spot in India’s World Cup squad, with him, an injured Axar Patel, and Ravichandran Ashwin, recalled for this series, competing for two spots. He was the most economical of his side’s bowlers in a high-scoring first innings, finishing with figures of 0-48 in his 10 overs. Australia posted 352-7 in their 50 overs with four top-order batters scoring fifties. Mitchell Marsh top-scored with 96 runs off 84 deliveries. India are 2/1 favourites to win the World Cup with Betway.

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