
Samira Vishwas
Tezzbuzz|25-10-2025
With the hosts already sealing the series 2–0 after wins in Perth and Adelaide, Australia will look to complete a clean sweep at home. For India, the contest is now about pride and salvaging momentum ahead of the T20I leg.
Australia head into the 3rd ODI at the SCG with the series already sealed 2–0, aiming for a clean sweep at home. For India, it’s a battle for pride, with senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli under pressure to deliver.
India’s top order of Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli will once again be tested against Australia’s pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Xavier Bartlett in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25, 2025. With the hosts already sealing the series 2–0 after wins in Perth and Adelaide, Australia will look to complete a clean sweep at home. For India, the contest is now about pride and salvaging momentum ahead of the T20I leg, with their senior batters and strike bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh expected to step up. The match also remains significant for Rohit and Kohli, as they aim to find form after underwhelming returns in the first two games.
Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep. Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Matt Short, Alex Carey (WK), Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Mitchell Starc, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), located in New South Wales, is one of the most historic and iconic cricket stadiums in the world, with a seating capacity of around 48,000 spectators. Steeped in tradition, it is renowned for its Members’ Pavilion and heritage architecture, blending history with modern facilities. First opened in 1848, the SCG has hosted countless memorable matches across formats and is also a venue for AFL, rugby, and major cultural events. The pitch at SCG is known for its balance, offering early assistance to seamers, grip for spinners as the game progresses, and value for stroke-making once batters settle in. With relatively short boundaries and lively crowds, it remains a favorite stage for high-intensity international cricket.
The Sydney Cricket Ground surface is regarded as one of the most balanced in world cricket, offering a fair contest between bat and ball. In the early overs, seamers can find bounce and movement, especially under lights, which makes the first 10–15 overs challenging for openers. As the ball loses shine, batting generally becomes easier, with stroke-makers rewarded by the relatively short boundaries and quick outfield. Spinners also play a major role at the SCG, particularly in the middle overs, as the pitch tends to grip and provide turn as the match progresses. In ODIs, totals in the range of 260–300 are usually competitive, though recent history suggests sides batting first have enjoyed greater success at this venue.
Total ODIs played: 34
Batting first wins: 18
Chasing wins: 14
India’s ODI overall record at SCG: Mixed, with memorable wins but more defeats against Australia
India vs Australia at SCG: Australia hold the upper hand, winning the majority of encounters including recent matches in 2019 and 2020
Average first innings score: 224 (average second innings: 189)
Highest ODI total: 408/5 by South Africa vs West Indies (2015)
Highest successful chase: 334/8 by Australia vs England
Lowest ODI total: 63 all out by India vs Australia
Notable: Rohit Sharma has scored 333 runs in 5 ODIs at the SCG, averaging 66.60 with a century and two fifties
The weather forecast for the 3rd ODI between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on October 25, 2025, is set to be ideal for cricket, with no major interruptions expected. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, conditions will be partly cloudy with a maximum temperature of around 24°C and light to moderate northeasterly winds. The chance of rain is very low, ensuring a full day’s play for both teams and spectators. The dry and warm weather should make batting conditions more favorable, while the afternoon breeze may reduce dew under lights. Given recent history, captains could lean towards batting first, as the last nine ODIs at the SCG have been won by teams setting a target.
The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) offers a balanced pitch, but current form suggests Australia may enjoy a greater advantage. Their pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, can exploit the bounce and movement available early under lights, making India’s fragile top order vulnerable once again. Adam Zampa is also well-suited to SCG conditions, where spinners typically come into play during the middle overs. For India, the relatively short boundaries and quick outfield could help stroke players like Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer if they get set, while Axar Patel’s spin could be effective later in the innings. However, given Australia’s familiarity with the surface and stronger recent record at the SCG, the pitch seems to tilt in their favor.
Q1: What is the pitch report for SCG, Australia?
The SCG pitch is well-balanced, offering early assistance to seamers and later grip for spinners, while set batters can capitalize on the short boundaries.
Q2: What is India’s record at SCG in ODIs?
India’s record at the SCG is mixed, with a few memorable wins but more losses against Australia, reflecting the hosts’ dominance at the venue.




