IND vs AUS: 2nd T20I: A strategic change loading for India?

Ravichandran Ashwin (PC: Twitter)

India will be taking on Australia in the second match of the T20I series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association ground in Nagpur. After a defeat in the first match of the series, while defending a target of 208 runs India will look to bounce back strongly in this match.

Ground

If we take a look at the history of the venue it looks like a bat first arena. There have been 12 matches played at the venue till now, out of which 9 have been won by the team batting first. 

The venue has traditionally favoured the spinners more. Let us take a look at the records of pacers and spinners in the venue.

Pacers and Spinners at Nagpur

So as we see the runs conceded per wicket for spinners is much less than of pacers and in case of balls bowled per wicket, both the types of bowling are pretty close. Keeping the economy of the two types of bowling in mind it can be said that it is the spinners who might have the most impact in today’s match. 

India’s Gameplan

 In the first match, it was Cameron Green who took the match away from India at the very beginning of the chase with his aggressive batting. He set up the platform which kept Australia in the match even after they lost three wickets during the middle phase. 

In today’s match India must look to restrict Green or get his wicket early on. Because if he lasts at the crease for more than 10-12 deliveries, the impact of his knock might put India out of the competition. 

What type of bowling he enjoyed the most in the last match? Let us find out:

Cameron Green's strike rate against different types of bowling

As we see pace was something that Green enjoyed in his previous knock. But he was also very good against leg-spin bowling. It was only the left arm spin that was able to keep Green quiet. 

But one thing has to be kept in mind that it was Axar Patel, who was the left-arm spinner bowling in the match. Axar is not a traditional left arm bowler, who will be bowling slower through the air. He bowls with a flatter trajectory and maintains a stump to stump line not looking to turn the ball too much.

So this gives us an idea that Green might be contained if a stump to stump line is maintained against him. 

Strategic change for India? 

The two main players who took the match away from India were Cameron Green and Matthew Wade. Keeping the bowling that contained Green in mind and the fact that Wade is a left handed batter, India can look to include Ashwin in the team for the match. 

Also, the pitch might favour the spinners and as a result Ashwin might well be the surprise package for India.  The fact that Jasprit Bumrah might return back to the team will be beneficial to the team's cause.

Also Read: Harmanpreet Kaur: A skipper who led from the front