IND vs AUS: 1st T20I Preview – Rohit-Finch seek to solve World Cup dilemmas

After a disappointing outing during the 2022 T20 Asia Cup, India are set to face a strong-looking opponent in form of Australia in a three-match T20I series. The first match of the series will be played at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on September 20 (Tuesday).

Talking about the home team, the Men in Blue will be boosted by the return of their star pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel. Similarly, express pacer Umesh Yadav has also been included in the squad after the ouster of Mohammed Shami due to Covid-19. Virat Kohli, who was sensational with the bat during the Asia Cup, will want to have a good outing with the bat against the Men in Yellow.

Meanwhile, talented batter Tim David has been added to the Australian side and the right-handed batter is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming series. Skipper Aaron Finch, who recently announced his retirement from the ODI format, would also want to make his bat talk after the struggles in the 50-over format.

Pitch and conditions

A good batting track is expected for the first encounter with both teams looking to bat second. The weather for the game is clear and the fans can expect a full match.

Venue details: Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali

Last match at the venue: India vs South Africa. SA: 149/5 in 20 overs | IND: 151/3 in 19 overs.

Here’s the probable playing XI for India vs Australia clash:

India:

Making his return to the Indian team, Bumrah would want to make a statement with the ball. Similarly, pacer Harshal Patel is also expected to play a crucial role for the Men in Blue side.

Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia:

Australia skipper Aaron Finch will need to give his team some solid starts during the field restrictions while Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith would want to keep themselves in the runs with the World Cup in sights.

Aaron Finch (captain), Matthew Wade (wk), Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Tim David, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar