Third ODI: Pakistan, Australia to meet in a dead rubber

The batting collapses is much of concern for Pakistan as in their last four ODIs, going back to the second ODI against Sri Lanka, their batting collapses have read – 6 for 41, 7 for 55, 5 for 47, 10 for 89.

In second ODI, Pakistan had an opening stand of 126 in 25 overs but the middle order failed to carry on the momentum set by the opening pair and were all out for 215.

Wahab Riaz is in doubt after picking up a leg cramp in the second ODI. Pakistan may also opt to make a change in the top order, bringing in either Sohaib Maqsood or Umar Amin.

On the other hand, Australia’s success has been built on their quick adaptation to local conditions. Glenn Maxwell’s innings in the last game is another positive for the team and he has also contributed well with the ball. While the spinners have found assistance on the low, slow tracks, Mitchell Johnson has said that the fast bowlers are also working on getting some reverse swing to work for them.

Mitchell Johnson said that “I am there to be the aggressor and still try and bowl and hit the wicket hard and bowl those bouncers as well.” He has 6 for 64 in two games so far. His best performance in a three-match bilateral series is 7 for 144 against Bangladesh in 2011.