IND vs AUS, 2nd T20I | Australia Predicted XI vs India

image-lpdss3liAustralia will be playing against India in the second T20I (Source: AP Photos)

In the aftermath of the World Cup, the finalists of the quadrennial competition have indulged in a new cycle that rotates around the T20 World Cup 2024. The second T20I between India and Australia will be held in Greenfield International Stadium, Trivandrum. The hosts lead the series currently 1-0 after a run-feast in Visakhapatnam.

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Being forced to bat first, Australia piled up 208 runs for the loss of three wickets. Josh Inglis whipped a marvellous ton and Steve Smith smashed a half-century opening the batting for the Kangaroos. However that wasn't enough to sneak a victory against the hosts. Riding on the back of. Suryakumar Yadav masterclass, the Indian side went past the finishing line. Although the interim captain was dismissed in the slog overs, Rinku Singh ensured that his team got the desired result.

It will be interesting to see if the Australian side tinker their XI after this loss. Let us have a quick look at the Australian Predicted XI against India.


Openers: Steve Smith and Matt Short

Australian think tank are testing Steve Smith to open the batting in the International level. He was a success in this position for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League 2022-23 and did come out strong in the first T20I. Smudge scored a well-tailored fifty at the top of the order and built a strong partnership with Josh Inglis.

Travis Head may take a little more rest and therefore Matt Short should be seen opening the batting for the Australian side. He was brilliant with both bat and ball in the Big Bash League 2022-23 and would look to bring back his heroics at the international level. Short also has IPL experience and will look to make effective use of it.


Middle Order: Josh Inglis, Matthew Wade and Tim David

Josh Inglis manufactured a splendid innings of 110 runs from 50 balls in their last game against India. He played some charismatic strokes and was one of the main components behind the surge of 200-plus total. The wicketkeeper-batter will be key for Australia in the middle order in Trivandrum.

Inglis will gain the support of the captain Matthew Wade and finisher in Tim David. Both batters seem to have donned a role to bat lower down the order. It means they’re in charge of the finishing duties. It's likely that Glenn Maxwell will be rested post World Cup.


All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie and Sean Abbott.

Australia are never short of pace bowling all-rounders. The likes of Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie and Sean Abbott forge an astute trio who can be effective with both bat and ball in hand. Stoinis was seen opening with the new ball and bat a bit high up the order in the last game. It gives him enough balls to showcase his calibre with the bat.

Hardie found a place in the national team on the back of impressive domestic performance. It's time for him to display his potential away from home. The lower batting order is improved with the addition of Abbott. He is also witty with the ball in hand; he has a genuine bumper, very slower ones and a good yorker under his sleeves.


Bowlers: Jason Behrendorrf, Nathan Ellis and Tanveer Sangha

Jason Behrendorrf is one of the experienced of the lot in the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. The left-arm pacer is brilliant with the new ball and gets lateral movement with some extra purchase off the surface. He will be assisted by Nathan Ellis at the later phase of play. Ellis has made a great reputation of being a T20I specialist. His ability to vary the pace of the delivery coupled with a few wide yorkers makes him one of the best in this format.

Adam Zampa was rested in the last game after winning the World Championship a few days back. In his absence, it's a great opportunity for Tanveer Sangha to impress the selectors. Sangha did scalp a wicket in the last game but will look to summon his heroics against South Africa while making his debut.


Australia Predicted XI against India.

Steve Smith, Matt Short, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade(c/wk), Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorrf, Tanveer Sangha, and Nathan Ellis.