Rohit Sharma on cusp on hunting down Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing Australia record in 3rd ODI at SCG

Playing his first match after India Champions Trophy triumph, Rohit Sharma didn't have the best of the start on his return to the international cricket in the first ODI against Australia. Rohit could only score 8 runs in the series opener in Perth. While Virat Kohli registered back-to-back ducks, the 38-year-old Rohit recovered from a poor start in the opening game to produce a gritty knock of 73. He had to labor through a tough early period where the Australian trio of Josh Hazlewood, Xavier Bartlett, and Mitchell Starc were delivering aggressive spells.

Rohit Sharma chases Tendulkar’s big record

With that score of 73, Rohit crossed the 1,400-run mark in ODIs played in Australia, taking his total to 1,409 runs for India. He is now on the brink of shattering India record for the most ODI runs scored by a player in Australia, currently held by Sachin Tendulkar (1,491 runs). Rohit is just 82 runs behind the Master Blaster. Rohit's big knock will do two things. Firstly it will make Rohit the leading run-scorer for India against Australia in ODIs. Secondly it will save India blushes as they are staring at series sweep at the SCG.

ALSO READ: 'Aaj farewell match tha...': Gautam Gambhir's chat with Rohit Sharma after India's ODI series loss to Australia breaks internet, Watch video

Prior to the series, Rohit was on 1,328 runs in ODIs in Australia, holding a lead of just a single run over Virat Kohli. While Rohit has successfully closed the gap between himself and Tendulkar’s record, Kohli has struggled, recording consecutive ducks for the first time in his ODI career. Consequently, Kohli remains stuck on 1,327 runs in the format in Australia.

India look to prevent series sweep against Australia

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has historically not been a happy hunting ground for India in ODIs, with the Men in Blue winning only five out of 22 matches played there. They will be keen to add one more victory to that tally to avoid a disheartening series whitewash. With Australia potentially resting a couple of players for this series finale, it presents a valuable opportunity for India to regain some momentum before the upcoming T20I series.

ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Marnus Labuschagne out as Cricket Australia makes surprise additions to Australia white ball squads ahead of third ODI against India

Pitch Conditions
Australia secured their unassailable 2-0 lead largely due to their bowlers doing the heavy lifting in the first two games. However, the SCG pitch has historically been known as a belter for batting, which could lead to a high-scoring contest in the final match.