If you have watched the first India Vs Aus T20I, you know that this series is going to be a thriller. Australia will have all to play for in the second T20I, as they are already 0-1 down. A defeat in Sydney would mean that Australia lose the series. For India, even if they lose, they still have a chance to win the series. That is how a short series works!
India Vs Aus – Preview
From Indian point of view, the major disadvantage is going to be the lack of in-form all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in the ranks. Jadeja is out from the T20 series due to concussions. The ball ricocheted off the bat and hit his helmet. Though there was no immediate inspection, post-match comments ruled him out of the series. This creates an interesting opening in the middle order. It could mean that Hardik Pandya might be asked to bowl his four overs, and Chahal could come in. It could also mean that India play the fifth bowler in Shradul Thakur. However, with Thakur in the team, India will be one batsman short. In T20 format, India might go with one batsman short.
It is likely that Bumrah will be back, and Mohammad Shami might lose his place. Shami was lacklustre in the opening game, and was taken for runs. Natarajan, Chahar, and Bumrah might well be the trio in the fast bowling department. It is almost certain that Yuzvendra Chahal will find a place in playing XI. You cannot ignore him after his match winning performance in the first match.
In the batting order, India might not change its line up. Manish Pandey might retain his place even though he scored just 2 in the opening match. It will be unfair to drop him on the back of just one match. India will be looking at Pandey and Pandya to give firepower towards the end. Much will be expected of the opening pair to build a strong partnership, and Kohli is due for a big inning. India would be looking to pace up in the middle overs. In the last match, they scored 11 in three middle overs when spinners controlled the game. India might also look at prompting Pandya against the spinners.
Australia’s Approach
Australia will be really hurt after the first T20I match. With 52-0 in just 7 overs, they looked all set to take the match. Australia will be reuing that they let the match out of their hands on a pitch that did not have any demons. It is unlikely that Australia will make any changes to their batting line up. Short and Finch looked solid at the top though they certainly missed Warner. Short was a bit slow to start, and that might be a spot of bother. If Australia are not chasing something big, they might have to again let Short take his time. Steve Smith will have to change his approach and style. Like in the IPL, he was seen going hard at the ball again at Canberra. He played a ball in the air unnecessarily to lose his wicket and expose the inexperienced middle order.
Australia’s middle Order
Smith would need to be the anchor in Australian innings if Australia have to bat long and score runs. Henrqiues has shown signs of a handy batsmen in the absence of Marcus Stoinis. Too much was asked of Henriques in the last match. He would need to have partners supporting him.
The middle order and lower order looks fragile. Both in last ODI and T20I the middle order collapsed. India will definitely be looking at attacking the middle order. Maxwell still would be needed to given license as cannot be asked to control his natural game.
Australian bowling looks settled except Hazelwood, who was taken for a lot of runs in the death. It was one expensive over of Hazelwood that changed the scorecard for India. Australia might look at an alternative there.
Our Prediction – India Vs Aus
It is expected that Australia will come hard at India, after a humiliating defeat. India, on the other hand, will be looking to take an unassailable lead. Given Australia’s record at Sydney and their capability to bounce back, the odds might look to favour Australia. However, it looks like we might have a close game in our hands.