Indian cricket team recorded back to back wins during their tour down under. After a victory in the third ODI, they managed to win the first T20I match of the 3-match series as the teams now will travel back to Sydney to play the last two fixtures. On Sunday, they will play the second match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. With injury concerns, both teams can give ample opportunities to some youngsters who could show their ability and fancy further chances.
Aaron Finch continued with his good form but his injury can be a concern for the hosts. Especially because Australia did not get enough support from the middle order. Even a labored innings from D’Arcy Short did not help. Hence, they may opt to open with Matthew Wade in the second match and bring Alex Carey, especially if Finch is ruled unfit before the match. However, the middle order must click if they want to make a comeback in the next game.
Australia will miss the service of Ashton Agar but Nathan Lyon, one of the top spinners has been added to the squad. Moises Henriques impressed with both bat and ball last time out. Mitchell Starc showed some form with the ball and took a couple of wickets. Mitchell Swepson also picked up one wicket but was expensive. Adam Zampa yet again showed his caliber and should be a key player.
Indians got an important win despite a less than convincing performance from the batsmen. KL Rahul maintained his T20 form and scored a half-century at the top. If he manages to continue his good run, the Indian team can depend on him for a good start as an opener. However, the rest of the Indian middle-order did not contribute much except a 23-run cameo from Sanju Samson and a brilliant 44* from Ravindra Jadeja. Therefore, Ravindra Jadeja’s absence will hurt the combination in the remainder of the series.
Source: Twitter (BCCI)
Jadeja provided lots of balance for India but the absence of him means a good opportunity for Washington Sundar. Sundar bowled brilliantly in the first T20I and may need to bat a position higher. Wrist spinners are always good picks for T20Is and Yuzvendra Chahal once again proved it. T Natarajan was another highlight for India in the first T20I with three wickets for 25 runs.
Likely XIs
India- KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (C), Manish Pandey, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Shami, T Natarajan, Yuzvendra Chahal
Australia- Aaron Finch (C), Matthew Wade, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Moises Henriques, Alex Carey, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood