After a narrow defeat in the first T20I, despite an outstanding performance by Josh Inglis, Australia aim to level the series. Josh Inglis’ brilliant 110 off 50 deliveries wasn’t enough to prevent India from securing a last-ball victory in Vishakhapatnam. But after resting three World Cup winners, Australia could recall them in IND vs AUS 2nd T20I in Thiruvananthapuram. The likes of World Cup Final hero Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa could return to Australia Playing XI after a break.
Australia used six bowlers in the first match, with Jason Behrendorff being the standout performer by conceding only 25 runs in his allotted four overs while also securing a wicket. In contrast, the remaining bowlers, namely Marcus Stoinis, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Sean Abbott, and Nathan Ellis, proved to be costly, each giving away 11 or more runs per over.
In a surprising move, Steve Smith opened in a T20 international for the first time, contributing 52 runs from 41 balls before an unfortunate run-out. Smith and Inglis formed a formidable 130-run partnership for the second wicket, putting India’s second-string bowling attack under pressure.
Australia posted a formidable total of 3-208, riding on Inglis’s heroics. However, Suryakumar Yadav’s quick innings of 80 kept India comfortably in the chase. Despite Nathan Ellis’s tight 19th over and a dramatic 20th over by Sean Abbott, which had three wickets, including two run-outs, India managed to secure the win, creating tension in the late stages of the match.
What to expect from IND vs AUS 2nd T20?
- Steve Smith is set to continue opening alongside Travis Head in the second match.
- Travis Head is likely to replace Matthew Short in Australia playing XI for second T20I.
- Josh Inglis, following his impressive century in the first T20I, will retain his position at number three.
- All-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Tim David will feature in the middle order, providing both batting prowess and bowling options.
- Aaron Hardie, designated as a lower-order batter, will also serve as a bowling option if needed if Glenn Maxwell does not return.
- Captain Matthew Wade will continue as the primary wicket-keeper for Australia.
- In the bowling department, Jason Behrendorff, who performed exceptionally well in the first match, will lead the attack.
- Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Tanveer Sangha will join Behrendorff in the bowling lineup, despite conceding a significant number of runs in the previous game.
- However, if Adam Zampa returns, Tanveer Sangha will have to warm the bench.
Predicted Australia Playing XI
- Steven Smith
- Matthew Short/ Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Marcus Stoinis
- Tim David
- Aaron Hardie/ Glenn Maxwell
- Matthew Wade (capt, wk)
- Sean Abbott
- Nathan Ellis
- Jason Behrendorff
- Tanveer Sangha/ Adam Zampa
Australia squad for IND vs AUS T20Is: Matthew Wade (c), Aaron Hardie, Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa.
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