India v Australia: third men’s one-day international – live

Howdy cricket fans and welcome to Chennai for the final ODI between India and Australia. Angus Fontaine here to call the first innings for you. And what a rip-roaring night we have ahead of us.

Since 1980 these two nations have met in 145 one-day internationals. Australia has won 81 of those and India 54 with 10 games ending with no-result. With a mere 40% win-rate that is India’s poorest record against any international side.

However, this series is dead level at one victory apiece and a tantalising showdown awaits us tonight, with the dust still settling on a fiercely-fought Test series and both nations hurtling toward a “fifth Test” and global bragging rights at the World Test Championship final to be played at The Oval in June.

A quick recap on the series for those who came in late…

Fresh from claiming the Border-Gavaskar Test series by 2-1, India took Game One at Mumbai in fine style, fighting back from 89-5 to mow down Australia’s total of 189. That score was a disappointing one, given the visitors were flying at 129-2 before imploding to lose eight wickets for 59 wickets.

As they did in the Test series, Australia roared back, claiming Game Two at Visakhapatnam by ten wickets as Mitchell Starc ran through India to bag 5-53 and skittle them for 117. Mitchell Marsh (66 not out) and Travis Head (51 not out) then gobbled up the chase in 11 overs to romp home and take us to a decider.

As it did in the first three Tests, ball has dominated bat in this series with no batting total above 200 thus far. Interestingly, it has been pace, not spin, that has proven the most destructive though, with Mitchell Starc in blistering form and Sean Abbott and Nathan Ellis offering excellent support.

Chidambaram Stadium isn’t known as a high-scoring venue but tonight could be the night. Both sides bat deep and the simmering tension between the teams is set to explode as players chase both a series win for their countries while also firing up their individual credentials ahead of the $6bn India Premier League tournament that starts on April 1.

We’re about to light the fuse so buckle ‘em up and batten ‘em down!