IND vs AUS 1st T20 Match Preview: After a 2-1 defeat in the ODI series, it is now the turn of cricket's most exciting format. Virat Kohli led Team India will lock horns with Australia at the Manuka Oval, Canberra from 1:40 PM onwards. The hosts have been dominant so far on the tour but India's win in the last ODI boosts some confidence ahead of the first T20 between the two most dominant sides. Kohli and Co will be aiming to carry its winning momentum with the Aussies in the T20I series. Take a look at the (IND vs AUS 1st T20) match preview, pitch report, playing 11 updates, and live-streaming details as underlined.
For India, KL Rahul, who batted at five in the ODI series, is expected to go back to his preferred opening slot alongside Shikhar Dhawan as he had a much better record at the upfront as shown in the recently concluded IPL 2020. Skipper Virat Kohli is getting back in form at the right time ahead of the much-awaited T20I series against Australia. Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey are backing their powers in the middle order.
In the bowling dept, Washington Sundar will be a key inclusion in the lineup. Virat Kohli used him effectively in the powerplay and middle overs as he did in the IPL. Hardik Pandya not bowling regularly, India had another specialist all-rounder in Ravindra Jadeja in the one-dayers. Yorker specialist T Natarajan along with Bumrah and Deepak Chahar will be the key success to Team India.
Australia, on the other hand, playing with the same squad as in ODIs, Finch and Co would be looking forward to taking an early lead in the T20Is as well after a clinical display in the ODI series. Star opener David Warner sustained a groin injury in the second ODI by virtue of which he has been ruled out of the T20I series and replaced by D'Arcy Short.
In bowling, Marcus Stoinis also gets injured during the ODI series, so he might be a doubtful starter in the first T20. However, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins are expected to return to the home team after being rested in the 3rd ODI.
The wicket at Canberra was more balanced than expected, and there was something in it for both pacers and spinners. The average score at this venue will be around 170-180 runs. It's likely to be pleasant weather in the first T20 match and no rain is expected throughout the day.
Wicket-keeper - KL Rahul
Batsmen - Steve Smith, Aaron Finch(VC), D'Arcy Short, Virat Kohli
All-rounders - Hardik Pandya(C), Ravindra Jadeja, Glenn Maxwell
Bowlers- Adam Zampa, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah
India: Virat Kohli (C), KL Rahul (WK), Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, T Natarajan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah
Australia: Aaron Finch (C), Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, D'arcy Short, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (WK), Ashton Agar, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Adam Zampa
In India, Sony Sports Network will telecast the IND vs AUS 1st T20 match live. Meanwhile, the online streaming platform SonyLiv will also bring up the live action of this match.