Playing a 7-match one-day series in this time and age seems a bit outdated, even boring perhaps and that is the general feeling going around both within the players and the spectators despite the two best teams in the world going head on. With cramped international schedule and growing demand on players’ fitness, it seems that this absurdly long and congested series between Australia and India is claiming victims and that too fast. With the hosts going 2-1 up as we head to Mohali, Brett Lee is already out, Clarke was never here and now Sehwag and Gambhir seem to be destined for the sidelines.

Team India will be stepping out at the beautiful stadium in Mohali knowing that a win here will give them the number one spot in one-day team rankings and Australia will be motivated enough as a defeat here would make their task of winning the series almost impossible.

Key Factors:

Ponting and Hussey: They have carried Australia through this series so far and they might have to do it again here. While the captain seems to be in sublime touch, Mr. Cricket is getting his touch back against a deliciously easy Indian attack.

Tendulkar and Yuvraj: While the senior partner needs to put up a big one on the board, the local boy will be looking to raise his bat after a ton in front of his adoring home-town fans. Sachin’s start will be crucial, all the more if the Delhi-duo is forced to sit out and Yuvi’s blitz will be equally vital.
Dew: If the pitch remains good for 100 overs expect the team that wins the toss to bowl first as gripping the ball will be a nightmare later on. That sail, it could seam a bit up there at the PCB stadium under lights.

Prediction: Brett Lee’s absence could be the factor that allows India to sneak in with a win at a place where they have generally done poorly and Australia have found plenty of success.