'Virat leading run-scorer...': Despite two consecutive ducks, Australia great picks Kohli as highest run-getter in ODI series

Former India captain Virat Kohli is currently preparing for the third ODI against Australia, which is scheduled to take place at Sydney Cricket Stadium in Sydney. The modern-day great has had two forgettable outings in the last two ODIs, getting dismissed on ducks for the first time in his career.

Michael Clarke for Virat Kohli's performance in 2nd ODI

Kohli is currently facing a lot of criticism for his poor outing but the former Australia captain Michael Clarke has backed the Indian maestro. He is not only predicting a return to form but also tipping Kohli to be the highest scorer in the final ODI.

While speaking on the Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast on YouTube, Michael Clarke said, “I will go with Joshy for leading wicket taker in this game. I’ve gone with Virat so far; he’s got two ducks. I am going to go with Virat Kohli for leading run-scorers in this game. Hazlewood leading wickets and Virat leading run-scorer.”

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Michael Clarke for India vs Australia ODIs

Clarke also predicted the result of the white ball series. He reckons that India would not like to go empty-handed from the ODI series and might look to build a bit of positive momentum for the upcoming T20Is.

“And I am going to say India win, so 2-1, India win. I predicted 2-1 Australia, so I don’t mind if India win this game. I just hope it is a really good game of one-day cricket; India won’t want to go home without a win. You are leading into the T20s as well, so a lot of the players will go into that format wanting to take some confidence” Clarke also said.

Virat Kohli's runs at SCG

Kohli would be desperate to get off to the mark in the last ODI, especially after being dismissed for ducks in the previous two consecutive games. However, the World Cup-winning star has had a poor outing at the SCG. He played seven ODIs at the venue where he managed to score just 146 runs at a low average of 24.33 and a strike rate of 82.95, with only a single fifty to his name. In contrast, his overall ODI record in Australia is far superior. Across 31 ODIs played in the country, Kohli has amassed 1,327 runs at a strong average of 47.39 and a strike rate of 88.34, which includes six fifties and five hundreds.