Daijiworld Media Network

Sydney, Jan 23 : India's top three, after Shikhar Dhawan's fifty in Melbourne and hundred in Canberra, pick themselves. The problem starts at No 4. Ajinkya Rahane suffered an injury to his right hand in Canberra and could miss out on the final game at Sydney. The injury to the right-hander leaves the side in a bit of a quandary. Manish Pandey should come in Rahane's place, but who will take his slot in the batting order is the more important aspect. Mahendra Singh Dhoni coming up the order would leave Pandey and Gurukeerat Singh Mann at five and six, and that makes the lower-middle order brittle. Pandey could move up to No. 4 leaving Dhoni, Mann and Ravindra Jadeja to add the finishing touches, if needed.

R Ashwin's ouster from the side for the last two games have created a bit of flutter, and Sydney should see the return of the off-spinner. Bhuvneshwar Kumar could face the axe after his disappointing performance in the 4th ODI. Axar Patel has failed to get into the starting XI in the series, and could just get to play in Jadeja's place.

Australia

With the series closed out and more important games coming up, Australia might use the opportunity to rest a few players. Mitchell Marsh coming up to bat at No. 3 raised a few eyebrows in Canberra, and the all-rounder could get another audition higher up. Glenn Maxwell, who suffered a bruised knee in the last game, will, if sources are to be believed, miss the Sydney game.

Nathan Lyon had a sub-par outing on his return to the limited-overs side, and he would want to ensure he puts in a stronger performance this time around, while Scott Boland will hope to make a more powerful impression should he get the chance to replace Kane Richardson or John Hastings.