The first Twenty20 International between India and Australia will be played at the IS Bindra Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday. While power-hitting and risk-taking shots are the hallmarks of T20 cricket, there are some fields where "running between the wickets" is essential to score important runs.
The batters' playing style and tactics are frequently determined by the longer boundaries in the square of the wicket. It benefits batters who, even in the T20 format, rely more on singles and doubles to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Who can forget India's illustrious run-chase against Australia in a T20 match played in Mohali during the 2016 World Cup? Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni's crazed between-the-wickets dashing dominated that exciting pursuit. Given the lengthier boundaries and the fact that the Australian camp was out of strategies, it was a measured and deliberate batting performance that ultimately resulted in a loss.
India is playing the same opposition at the same location six years later, and all eyes will be on Kohli's play. The 33-year-old hitter, who frequently does not aim to play bigger smashes in the early stages of his innings and plays a sheet anchor type role for India, will feel at ease taking more twos.
Not to mention, Kohli is a remarkably fit cricketer who, with his quick sprinting between the wickets, keeps fielders on their toes. The Mohali fans may anticipate the top cricketer to exhibit the same level of athleticism. Larger ground and boundary lines also result in wider spaces between the two fielders.
Therefore, both teams' hitters may take advantage of that aspect of the game in addition to Virat.
The broad square limits will also excite spinners, who are anticipated to exercise more courage in their decision-making. Yuzvendra Chahal and Adam Zampa, two quality leg spinners on both teams who enjoy using flighted deliveries to confuse batters, will be favourites to win this match.