The stage is absolutely set for the T20I carnival to begin at the picturesque Adelaide Oval. Australia and India head into the T20I series with the intention of bracing up for the World T20 in March. In many ways, this series will pretty much set the tone for what is to follow for both the heavyweights. Speaking about the T20 World Cup in March, it is fair to assert that Australia and India are the top two favorites to win the grand event.
Before the World Cup, though, these sides will get some vital practice in the format as a flurry of T20I’s are lined up in the weeks to follow. Australia take on India for three games before heading to South Africa for another 3 match T20I series. Not to forget, they tour New Zealand in between, but that tour won’t consist of any T20I’s. India on the other hand, play Australia, before hosting Sri Lanka for three games in February. The series against Sri Lankan will soon be followed by the T20 Asia Cup.
After being drubbed 4-1 by Australia in the ODI series, Dhoni’s boys will be eager to redeem themselves in the shortest form of the game. The T20I squad has a touch of experience and that should be handy for the men in blue. Australia have opted for a cocktail of vibrant youth and some experienced individuals for the series. Below are the five players to watch out for in the upcoming T20I series below between Australia and India.
1. YUVRAJ SINGH:
Often termed as India’s “miracle boy”, Yuvraj Singh is back in the Indian colors. Undoubtedly India’s greatest match winner in limited overs, Singh last played for India in the final of the ICC World T20 2014. That was a forgettable outing for Yuvraj as his knock of 11 off 21 sucked India’s momentum in the game. After a spectacular outing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Singh has rightly earned his place in the Indian side. The southpaw has a liking for the Kangaroos in the shortest format, as he averages 61.75 against them in 6 games at a strike rate of 170.34. On decks great for batting, Singh can come to the party against the Australians in the upcoming series.
2. CHRIS LYNN:
Lynn set the Big Bash League on fire with his audacious batting displays and the Indian bowlers should already be worried of him. With 378 runs in 8 games for the Brisbane Heat, Lynn has been in sparkling form. The right-hander is capable of decimating bowling attacks and his sensational ton in the BBL was just an instance of his abilities. Lynn will be Australia’s trump card in the middle order and in Glenn Maxwell’s absence, he will have to lead Australia’s onslaught.
3. HARDIK PANDYA:
How galvanized do Indians get when they hear the term “fast bowling all rounder”? India as a side has been deprived of pace bowling all rounders since ages and Pandya just offer that remedy. The Baroda lad was the find of the 2015 IPL where he played some blinders for the Mumbai Indians. On the back of some ferocious batting and bowling displays for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Pandya is India’s X factor. His clean striking reminds viewers of the likes of Andre Russel and Kieron Pollard. If Pandya has a good series against Australia, India will indeed be a blessed side!
4. SHAUN TAIT:
He retired after the ICC World Cup in 2011, only to make a comeback five years later! Tait, one of the steamiest bowlers in the game, has had a stop start career. Injuries and form have taken a toll on what once seemed to be a promising career. Nevertheless, every new assignment is a new dawn altogether, and Tait is back to represent Australia. He was fantastic in the BBL and with his sheer pace with the new ball; it will be exciting watching him bowl. His duel with Rohit Sharma will be the most interesting aspect about the series.
5. ASHISH NEHRA:
Like Tait, Nehra is bound to make a comeback to international cricket after the 2011 World Cup. Nehra’s last international fixture was against Pakistan, in the semi final of the World Cup at Mohali. Nehra at 35 had a stunning 2015 IPL for the Chennai Super Kings as he was the best Indian bowler in the tournament. He found swing with the new ball in his first spell and also bowled well at the death. Nehra might well be the answer to India’s woes in finding an accurate left arm pacer.