India will face Australia in the fourth Twenty20 International of the five-match series on Thursday, November 6. The match will be played at the Carrara Oval, a site that hasn’t hosted much international cricket.
The series stands level at 1-1. After a washout in the opener, Australia secured a convincing win, but India bounced back strongly in Hobart to draw level. Another thrilling contest awaits, although the hosts have made a few personnel changes.
India’s T20I squad for the Australia tour: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.
Australia’s T20I squad for the India series: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott (games 1-3), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman (games 3-5), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (games 4-5), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (games 1-2), Ben McDermott (standby player), Glenn Maxwell (games 3-5), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis.
On that note, here are three key things to watch for in the fourth Twenty20 International between India and Australia.
3. Shubman Gill needs to find his rhythm soon
Shubman Gill is also having a difficult time trying to nail down a form in T20Is and as the T20 World Cup approaches, India will be hoping that he will soon rediscover his form. He plays a significant role in the arrangement, yet given the fact that players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal are doing well, Gill will have to make a statement to prove his position in the playing lineup.
It is also expected that the Carrara Oval in Queensland will have a flat and a batting-friendly wicket, which will provide Gill with a wonderful opportunity to resume the flow of the runs. Josh Hazlewood will be on rest, therefore, the Australian attack will not be in full strength; thus, Gill will have the ideal platform to play freely and gain confidence before the international event.
2. Glenn Maxwell is back
Glenn Maxwell is ready to return to Australia’s playing XI, bringing power and experience to the middle order. Travis Head’s absence gives the squad more balance and versatility with Maxwell’s inclusion, while Matt Short is likely to move to the top of the order. Maxwell’s presence will strengthen the batting lineup and lift the team’s morale.
With his explosive stroke play and fearless approach, Maxwell can change the course of a match within a few overs. Fans can expect an entertaining display, as the all-rounder looks to make an immediate impact and showcase his match-winning abilities once again.
1. Suryakumar Yadav is still in search of a statement knock
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has demonstrated the signs of brilliance in the series yet is yet to provide a big, match-defining innings. His shot-making is as always stylish, but there has been a lack of consistency. As the world cup approaches, India will wish that one of their captains will give them a resounding knock and also be at the frontline.
In the last game, Marcus Stoinis deceived Suryakumar with a slower ball that dipped onto the pitch. In the next match, the 33-year-old aims to adapt better to the conditions and play with greater control. A strong performance from him could not only ease the pressure but also inject momentum into India’s middle order.
