Smith keen to pile on the misery

Australia's Steven Smith (L) bats as India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni watches during their One Day cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Photo: Hamish Blair/Reuters

Australia's Steven Smith (L) bats as India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni watches during their One Day cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Photo: Hamish Blair/Reuters

Published Jan 22, 2016

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Sydney - Australia skipper Steven Smith has stressed there will be no let up when they play the fifth and final one-day international against an Indian side staring at a series whitewash on Saturday.

The Australians stretched their one-day win streak to 18 matches after a stunning India collapse in the fourth one-day on Wednesday allowed the hosts to claim a 25-run victory.

Smith said he was pleased with his side's displays and was keen to wrap up a 5-0 series sweep before the three-match Twenty20 series begins next week.

“We've played some very good cricket against them of late,” Smith said on Friday.

“We dominated them when they were out here last summer, we beat them in the World Cup semi-final and we're up 4-0 so we're in a good spot.

“Hopefully we can top it off tomorrow with a 5-0 whitewash.”

India have not beaten Australia in any format since 2013. The tourists looked like ending that barren run when they were on 277 for one, chasing 349 for victory, only to lose their last nine wickets for 46 runs in Canberra.

India's chances of victory in Sydney on Saturday could be aided by the absence of Glenn Maxwell, who was struck on the knee during Wednesday's win.

The all-rounder went on to hit a crucial quick fire 41 at the end of the Australian innings to help post a winning target.

“He might have had something with his hamstring as well,” Smith said of Maxwell's ailments.

“We'll wait and see how he pulls up and see how the team goes from there.”

Reuters

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