The five-match T20I series between Australia and India got off to a soggy beginning, with rain playing spoilsport in the series opener. Only 9.4 overs were possible before the weather had the final say. Now, both teams will be eager for a proper contest as the action now shifts to Melbourne for the second T20I.
Despite the truncated affair, there were a few positives for India. Suryakumar Yadav, who has endured a lean patch off late, looked in good touch, slamming 39 unbeaten off 24 balls. Shubman Gill, too, had a splendid outing, scoring 37 off 20 deliveries. After a relatively quiet ODI series, the young opener seemed to rediscover his rhythm.
From Australia’s point of view, the washout meant a lost opportunity as they could not return the favour. However, with both sides boasting plenty of firepower, the second T20I in Melbourne will be incredibly mouth-watering. As the eyes now turn to Melbourne India and Australia will look to make up for lost time and hope to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Head-to-head
Matches - 33
AUS won - 11
IND won - 20
No result- 2
Australia possible XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis(wk), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Philippe, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood
India possible XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah