India vs Australia, 2nd T20I, Preview: Another thriller in store as the teams face-off in Bengaluru

Australia will be aiming their maiden T20I series in India.

Published - 26 Feb 2019, 17:23 IST | Updated - 26 Feb 2019, 17:23 IST

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India and Australia will lock horns in the second and final T20 International on Wednesday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. While the visitors winning the series opener was, to an extent, unexpected, India’s collapse with the bat led to their undoing in Vizag. Australia, despite winning, have more issues to address and it goes without saying that it is with their batting.

The Men in Yellow would rather love to script their maiden T20I series win in India on the back of strong performance with a willow. The ball travels in Bengaluru usually and generally, the pitch is flat at the venue. Having said that, the nature of the 22 yards has changed drastically over the last 12-18 months.

India, on the other hand, would be pondering on different options as this is last international assignment before the World Cup and will be looking to give chances to the players who weren’t the part of the first game. However, on the stats part, their series winning streak in India is at stake and they would love not to break it. Virat Kohli hinted at some unexpected changes ahead of the series and he might stay with his word.

Team Combinations

India

India are likely to rest Rohit Sharma with Shikhar Dhawan coming back to the side. He will open alongside KL Rahul who needs more game time ahead of the World Cup. Virat Kohli will bat at number three while Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni will follow him. Dinesh Karthik might have to sit out for the must-win encounter as the hosts look set to include an all-rounder in Vijay Shankar.

Also, Umesh Yadav can also be replaced by Siddarth Kaul who didn’t play a game even in New Zealand and deserves a chance. Yuzvendra Chahal and Mayank Markande will continue to be the spinners in the team along with Krunal Pandya.

Probable XI: Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni (wk), Dinesh Karthik/Vijay Shankar, Krunal Pandya, Siddarth Kaul, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mayank Markande.

Australia

Australia are unlikely to change the winning combination and though Peter Handscomb didn’t perform to the expectations as the wicketkeeper-batsman, he will retain his place. Aaron Finch’s form is the biggest worry for them and the skipper would want to lead from the front for them. Glenn Maxwell is the key again and will bat number four. Ashton Turner also will get another chance after failing in the first match.

The bowling attack is at its best with Marcus Stoinis as the all-rounder. Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jason Behrendorff did a fine job with Adam Zampa also living up to the reputation.

Probable XI: Marcus Stoinis, D’Arcy Short, Aaron Finch (c), Glenn Maxwell, Peter Handscomb (wk), Ashton Turner, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Adam Zampa.

Focus will be on

India (KL Rahul)

KL Rahul made a resounding comeback in the first T20I. His half-century gave India a great start but should’ve continued and played a big knock. Even he will be ruing a missed opportunity. This game presents him with another chance and the opener will be eyeing another decent outing in Bengaluru.

Marcus Stoinis (Australia)

With five specialist bowlers in the team, Stoinis didn’t need to bowl in the series opener. But his stint with the bat was a brief one as the Australian failed to replicate his Big Bash heroics at the highest level. Opening the innings, Stoinis was involved in a mix-up with his partner Short and had to go back in the second over itself. He will be determined to make an impact in this game now.