As the anticipation builds for the third T20 International (T20I) against India, the Australian cricket team is looking to make amends after their lackluster performance so far in the ongoing five-match series. The teams are scheduled to go head-to-head once again on November 28 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, with the match commencing at 7:00 PM IST. The Australian squad, stricken by a series of crushing defeats and a lack of bowling precision, finds themselves in a challenging position going into the third match.
The series began with an enthralling encounter where Australia, despite a powerful batting display, putting up an impressive total of 208 for the loss of three wickets, were outdone by the Indian batsmen. The spotlight glistened on Josh Inglis and Steve Smith, both having featured in the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, as they wove together a partnership of 131 runs. It was Inglis who stole the show with his maiden international century, an explosive 110 off just 50 balls. Yet, this was soon overshadowed as India chased down the target, with Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan both hitting crucial half-centuries.
Following this batting extravaganza, Australia was let down again in the second T20I. This time, despite posting an even more towering total of 235 runs in the first innings, the bowlers failed to contain the Indian onslaught, resulting in a 44-run shortfall. Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, and Matthew Wade made valuable contributions, but their efforts were not enough to secure a victory.
As the third match approaches, all eyes are on Australia’s potential line-up change. With the openers’ spots keenly contested, Steve Smith seeks to consolidate his position despite a subpar World Cup outing. His half-century in the first match was a testament to his resilience, and despite an early dismissal in the second game, he remains a likely pick for the top of the order. Alongside him, Matthew Short is vying for the opening slot, showing promise with a flurry of beautiful shots before being ousted by Ravi Bishnoi’s googly in the previous match.
The middle-order is bolstered by the likes of Josh Inglis, whose maiden century has been a highlight, Tim David, and Matthew Wade, all capable of delivering explosive batting performances. Their cameos in Thiruvananthapuram highlighted this explosive potential.
Glenn Maxwell, who sat out the first T20I, is back in the all-rounder slot after the World Cup triumph. The swift recall points to his perceived importance for the team’s success going forward. Marcus Stoinis, too, remains a key figure following his significant role in the 2021 T20 World Cup and will look to play a major part in Australia’s road to recovery.
On the bowling front, Australia is sticking with Sean Abbott and Nathan Ellis for their pace attack complemented by Stoinis’s prowess in the powerplay overs. Adam Zampa continues to be a central figure following his successful stint in the ODI World Cup, turning in as Australia’s top wicket-taker. Tanveer Sangha will join Zampa, tasked with the middle overs which could prove pivotal in the upcoming showdown.
Looking to shake off their previous missteps, this is how Australia might line up for the critical encounter in Guwahati: Steve Smith and Matthew Short to start the innings, followed by Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, and the power-hitting Tim David in the middle, Glenn Maxwell to add depth and variety, Matthew Wade as the Captain and wicketkeeper, while the bowling department will comprise Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Tanveer Sangha.
For fans of the game, the World Cup 2023 Updates are just a fingertip away – be sure to check out the schedules, follow the latest news on social media, and download the relevant cricket apps, as all await the thrilling continuation of this high-stakes T20I series between the dominating Indian team and an Australian squad eager for redemption.