Australia might face a tough task after winning the ODI series 4-1, as the T20 series started against the same opponent, opposite to what happened in ODIs. Like India failed to add 30 to 40 more to their score, Australia on the first t20 after getting a good start from opener Aaron Finch and David Warner lost their way in middle overs. With 89 for 1, Australia folded up with just 151 runs.
Australian selectors selected a strong T20 team filled with just concluded Big Bash League players. But, a break from rhythm did not go well with the Australian players. David Warner skipped the BBL in order stay in the rhythm of ODI cricket. Steve Smith also missed the tournament due to injury while batsman like Chris Lynn got an unknown quantity in front of him. So, the Australian team is yet to settle down. It is expected that in the second T20I at MCG they might come hard at India.
With Glenn Maxwell joining the Australia’s T20 squad and David Warner and Steve Smith rested before the series in New Zealand, the Australian XI will see a couple of changes in the second T20. It is expceted that Shaun Marsh will open the innings with captain Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell will replace Steve Smith in the middle order. Talking about the bowling department Andrew Tye could replace Shaun Tait.
The Australian bowling attack lead by Shaun Tait looks ordinary in comparison to Indian bowling department. With Mitchell Starc injured and Josh Hazlewood given a rest before the New Zealand tour, Australians are thin on good bowling attack.
So, the second T20 at MCG will be Australia’s biggest test to prove their potential. The batting department with Chris Lynn, the BBL man of the series is in a tremendous form, can alone bruise Indian bowling attack. Australian batting department needs to fire with the bat and need a little bit help from the bowling department in pursuit of getting back in the series.
Australia’s predicted XI: Aaron Finch (c), Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Shane Watson, Matthew Wade (wk), James Faulkner, Kane Richardson, Cameron Boyce, Andrew Tye
Date: January 29, 2016
Time: 13:08 IST
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
TV listing: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 3, and Star Sports HD 3