India vs Australia: 3rd Test Odds & Predictions (1st March 2023)

The third Test of the ongoing four-match series between India and Australia saw a nervy start for India after the Australia spinners wreaked havoc on day one. They were bowled out for 109, making Australia favourites to win, especially after the visitors went on to make 197 in the first innings, one that ended early on day three. India's slender lead, that they gained in the second innings on day three, might not be enough  to save the Test.

Prediction: Australia to win the match at 1.27 odds. 

Here are the match details:

• Match Date & Time: March 1 – March 5, 2023; 9:30 AM IST
• Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
• Series: Australia tour of India, 2023

India vs Australia Odds

Less than six days. Yes after all the build up and the brouhaha around the pitch in the lead up to and during the series, Australia are 0-2 down in the four-match Test series against India in less than six days of action in the middle. To add to it, their several key players are now ruled out of the series with captain Pat Cummins not available for third Test as he is with his family.

More than the pitch, it is about Australia’s approach against Indian spinners that has been the talking point now. Perhaps, it was alarming to see the Delhi Test end by Tea time on the third day as Australia were ahead in the game when the day started. They dig a hole for themselves losing nine wickets for just 50-odd runs while facing the deadly duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin.

Meanwhile, India have continued to be exceptional at home and despite losing tosses, they have won big in both Tests so far. Their spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja and perfectly complemented by Axar Patel has troubled Australia big time. Moreover, the pace bowlers in Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami have played a crucial role as well.

However, batting has been the worrying aspect for the hosts even at home. If not for the resurrecting act from Axar and Ashwin for the 8th wickets, India would’ve been chasing around 230 even with Australia collapsing for 113 in their second essay. 

Nevertheless, the Indore surface provides an opportunity for the batters to make amends especially if India win the toss. On the other hand, it remains to be seen how Australia play under the leadership of Steve Smith and with main players not available. In the cricket betting odds for today, we have India winning, the odds of which stand at 1.25.

India

With enough rest before the third game, India are unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination. KL Rahul is under the scanner more than ever after four low scores and this could be his last chance with a proven performer like Shubman Gill in the wings. Todays match predictions have Gill performing well, so it may not be a bad call to punt on him. There is no reason to tinker with the rest of the XI and cricket betting tips back India to win this game as such.

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj

Australia

Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, David Warner, Ashton Agar. These are the players who have been ruled out of the series for different reasons apart from Cummins. However, there is some good news finally from the visitors’ camp with Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc returning to the line-up. Travis Head is expected to open alongside Usman Khawaja thanks to his quickfire knock in the second innings of Delhi Test. Todays match predictions have him performing reliably. The only fast bowler in the team could be Starc unless tha surface allows the visitors play either Scott Boland or Lance Morris. Betting cricket tips should be free of too many predictions around Starc even if he plays because he's just returning from injury.

Probable XI: Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Alex Carey (WK), Matt Kuhnemann, Pat Cummins (C), Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The first look of the pitch on offer in Indore has surfaced on social media and it wears a similar look like it did in Delhi. Todays cricket predictions should be heavily in favour of spinners. Winning the toss will be crucial for Australia and then they will have to bat big in their first innings. Looking at the dry surface, the ball is expected to start spinning late on the first day itself. It goes without saying that the team winning the toss will be batting first.

As expected, a picture of the pitch at the Arun Jaitley stadium has gone viral and it is clear, that the ball 

will spin from Day 1. The surface is largely dry and will only break open as the game progresses. Moreover, with moisture expected to set in early in the day, the new ball will do a lot early on in the first couple of hours as well keeping the fast bowlers interested. Hence, the team winning the toss should bat first but be careful early on in the innings. Discretion is advised for todays match predictions around the team batting last on this wicket.

India vs Australia: Betting Tips