India and Australia will face off in the 1st T20I on Tuesday, September 20th in Mohali as both teams eye preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022.
IND vs AUS: Match Preview:
Team India are set to take on the current T20 World Champions at home in a 3-match T20I series as both teams would eye preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. In 2022 till now, Suryakumar Yadav has been the top scorer for team India in the T20Is with 567 runs in 17 innings at a marvellous strike rate of 182.31.
Virat Kohli found form in team India's last match in the Asia Cup as the batting stalwart smacked 122 runs at a strike rate of 200, bringing up his much-awaited 71st international ton. However, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan, the second and third highest run scorer in T20Is for India this year, haven't been included in the team. Openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul would also need to score big soon to be all set for the T20 World Cup.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been the top wicket-taker for India this year, grabbing 31 wickets in 21 innings at an economy of 6.63. Umesh Yadav is making his return to team India after three years in place of Mohammad Shami, who was ruled out due to Covid prior to the series. Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel are returning from an injury and India would be hoping to solidify their bowling attack.
For the current World T20 Champions Australia, captain Aaron Finch has been the top scorer this year in T20Is for his team with 247 runs in 9 matches. None of the other players have managed to cross the 200-run mark in T20Is this year. However, the batting prowess of Steven Smith and swashbuckling batters Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Josh Inglis and Matthew Wade would present a strong challenge against the home team.
Josh Hazlewood and Kane Richardson have been impressive in the Australian bowling attack this year in T20Is. While Hazlewood has grabbed 14 wickets in 6 matches, Richardson has picked 13 wickets in 7 matches. Hazlewood has evolved as an all-format player since last year and has an impressive economy of 5.08 in T20Is this year. Pat Cummins & Adam Zampa will also strengthen the bowling lineup.
