India will be keen to regain some momentum after defeat in the ODI series and might welcome the switch to the shorter format as a means to close the gap on Australia.
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The tourists have shown quality in patches but really need to produce a complete performance to get one over on their hosts.
Australia vs India | First T20I | Friday 4 December | Manuka Oval, Canberra | 10:10
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Australia
Tie
India
Australia
Australia have an opportunity to tweak their playing XI to try and find the best combinations for next year’s T20 World Cup.
Uncapped top-order batsmen Cameron Green and Daniel Sams await their first opportunity for Australia.
D’Arcy Short must make the most of a recall to the side if he is to force his way back into the reckoning for the World Cup and regain his place in the team.
In Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, Australia have two brutal finishers, but they need to ensure they enjoy the best platform.
Australia’s top three, Aaron Finch, David Warner and Steve Smith are in excellent touch and should be able to provide a solid base for the team to operate off.
India
The ODI series didn’t go to plan for Virat Kohli’s men as the Australians kept the pressure firmly on them throughout, but the skipper will want to see a response from his charges.
The entire India squad should be up to speed in the format thanks to the Indian Premier League.
Sanju Samson caught the eye in the IPL but needs to improve on his T20I record to date in order to be considered going forward.
India’s opening question is a big one with Mayank Agarwal performing brilliantly in tandem with KL Rahul in the IPL, while Shikhar Dhawan ended the tournament in top form.
The drop-off in form from India’s top spinners is a concern especially given the lack of quality wrist-spin among the backup options. Australia could look to target India’s tweakers to keep them from gaining the ascendancy.
Verdict: Australia
The hosts have all the momentum.
Written by James Richardson.
