India vs Australia 2023: Australia's strongest predicted playing XI against India

The fifth and final T20I of the ongoing series between India (IND) and Australia (AUS) will see both sides face off at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, on Sunday, December 3.  The game will merely be a consolation, as India have already clinched the series after defeating the Aussies in Raipur in the fourth T20I.

As the fifth game approaches, it could be interesting to see how the two sides fare in the final game and what kind of lineup the Men in Yellow could field in the fifth T20I in Bangalore.

Here's Australia's Predicted XI against India:

Openers: Travis Head, Josh Phillipe

Australia will look to open with ace batter Travis Head; the World Cup hero will look to put in a good performance in the final game of the T20I series. Head looked exceptional against India in the early stages of the fourth T20I. It was just when he started to look threatening, Axar Patel's brilliant bowling forced him to go big.

Notably, Travis Head was looking to score briskly and scored 31 runs in just 16 deliveries, before he was sent back to the pavilion after giving Australia a good start during the run chase.

Josh Phillipe failed to go big in the fourth T20I as well, falling prey to Ravi Bishnoi. Phillipe only managed to score eight runs in seven deliveries before he was dismissed. Hence. all eyes will be on the talented batter in the fifth clash between the two cricketing giants.

Middle Order: Aaron Hardie, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Matt Short, Matthew Wade (Wk/C)

The Australian middle order could consist of the likes of Aaron Hardie. Failing to go big in his previous game, Hardie will be desperate for a big score if he is selected in Bangalore. Scoring eight runs in nine deliveries, Axar Patel dismissed Hardie, and it could be crucial how he fares in the last game. 

Ben McDermott could be another player who could make a significant impact for Australia in the fifth game. Scoring 19 runs in 22 deliveries, McDermott was one of the highest run-getters for his side in the previous game and will be keen on improving on his knock. Tim David is one player who needs no introduction. David has been unable to perform to the best of his abilities in the last two games, getting out for a duck in the third game and scoring 19 runs in the fourth. The Aussies will hope for a better showing from the star batter.

Matthew Short could be another significant performer for Australia in the fifth T20I in Bangalore, scoring 22 runs in 19 deliveries in his last game. Short looked in good form but failed to convert his good start. It could be interesting to see how he fares in the next clash. Skipper and wicketkeeper Matthew Wade could be one of the most important players for the Australians in the final game of the series. Scoring 36* runs in 23 deliveries, Wade was the highest run-getter for his side, and he will be keen on putting in another good performance.

Bowlers: Ben Dwarshuis, Tanveer Sangha, Chris Green, and Jason Behrendorff

The Australian bowling line-up will consist of Ben Dwarshuis, Tanveer Sangha, Chris Green, and Jason Behrendorff. Dwarshuis was exceptional for the Men in Yellow in the fourth game, taking three wickets and conceding 40 runs in four overs. Dwarshius will look to put in another good performance.

Tanveer Sangha looked to be going with the flow, as in the previous game. His two wickets and conceding 30 runs in four overs could get him the ticket to the final T20I as well. Chris Green was one bowler who took no wickets for his side in the previous game. During his bowling spell, Green conceded 36 runs in four overs, and he will be keen on improving in the upcoming clash.

Jason Behrendorff will complete Australia’s lineup, and his skills with the ball could be something that could come in very handy for the Men in Yellow. Taking two wickets and conceding 32 runs in four overs, the pacer was quite economical, and he will look for a repeat in the next game.

Australia’s predicted XI against India in the fifth T20I:

Travis Head,  Josh Philippe, Aaron Hardie, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Matt Short, Matthew Wade (WK & C), Ben Dwarshuis, Tanveer Sangha, Chris Green, Jason Behrendorff

Also Check: IND vs AUS, 5th T20I, Stats Preview