For Australia, the final ODI in Nagpur poses no real significance apart from gaining momentum with the Ashes in six weeks. Steven Smith's troops will be looking at the final match to build energy and confidence before the much-anticipated Ashes series. Three nights ago in Bangalore, Smith was desperate as he dived around the ground with conscious effort of trying to inspire his team and drag them out of the losing habit. Smith is aware that losing and winning are both contagious habits. Last year, Australia were whitewashed 0-5 in the ODI series in South Africa. At the time, it seemed the loss was insignificant, but soon later, cracks that appeared during the ODIs, were exposed in the longer format as well. A month later Australia went on to lose a Test series against South Africa on home soil.

Oz skipper Steven Smith is cheerful during a practice session in Nagpur. Pic/PTI