The excitement of T20 cricket continues as India and Australia gear up for their 2nd T20I in the ongoing series. Following a World Cup packed with action but lacking last-ball thrillers, this bilateral series promises high-octane cricket. The opener was a testament to this, with dramatic finishes and outstanding individual performances. Now, the focus shifts to Thiruvananthapuram, where both teams will look to outperform each other in what promises to be another enthralling encounter.
Venue Insights
The pitch at Greenfield International Stadium is renowned for being slow and favouring bowlers, making it a tough ground for batsmen to score freely. This characteristic of the pitch notably aids spin bowlers, who often thrive and create challenges for the batsmen. Although past matches at this venue have generally been low-scoring, the upcoming encounter between India and Australia is expected to be fiercely competitive.
This anticipation stems from the quality of the teams and their adaptability to varying conditions, setting the stage for an intriguing battle despite the traditionally challenging nature of the pitch.
India's Form Guide (WWWWW)
India's recent streak in T20 Internationals is impressive, boasting five consecutive wins. This success is partly attributed to Suryakumar Yadav's resurgence in form, especially in the shorter format, where he has been a dominant force. The bowling department, led by players like Mukesh Kumar, has compensated for the absence of some key players. Mukesh's diverse bowling techniques, including slower deliveries and yorkers, were particularly effective in the final overs of the series opener. However, India faces challenges in its lower-middle order, as seen in their near slip-up in the previous game.
This area is of particular concern, especially given their batting lineup ends at number seven. Looking ahead, India might consider adding an all-rounder such as Washington Sundar or Shivam Dube, especially in anticipation of swinging conditions. Ravi Bishnoi's performance is another focal point; after leaking 54 runs in the last game, his response in the upcoming match is crucial, especially with the 2024 T20 World Cup in mind.
Australia's Form Guide (LWWWW)
Post their World Cup victory, Australia has displayed strong form in T20Is, with a recent record of four wins following a loss. Their adaptability in different playing conditions is noteworthy. Josh Inglis has been a standout performer for Australia, achieving a record-equalling fastest men's T20I century. Steven Smith's technical prowess will be crucial, particularly if the ball swings in the upcoming match in Thiruvananthapuram. Despite the absence of star players like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, Australia's bowling lineup has shown resilience and effectiveness in challenging conditions.
However, the team heavily relied on Smith and Inglis for runs in the series opener, a strategy they might want to revisit. Marcus Stoinis, who had a mixed performance in the World Cup, is under pressure to perform. With a batting average of 21.75 in the World Cup, Stoinis will be eager to prove his mettle in the T20I series, potentially playing a crucial role in the team's batting strategy.
Players to Watch
Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi has been a key figure in recent matches, taking 13 wickets in eight games with an impressive economy rate of just 6.09 runs per over while playing for Gujarat in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His performance this year also includes a notable spell in Ireland, where he claimed four wickets across two games. Despite a less impactful showing in his solitary T20I in the Caribbean, where he went wicketless, Bishnoi's prowess was evident in the IPL. There, he took 16 wickets, significantly contributing to the Lucknow Super Giants' third-place finish. However, he did concede 7.74 runs per over in the IPL, and his response in the upcoming second T20I, especially with the 2024 T20 World Cup selections on the horizon, will be crucial to observe.
Marcus Stoinis
Marcus Stoinis, on the other hand, enters this series looking to rebound from a modest World Cup performance, where he averaged 21.75 with the bat and 35.75 with the ball over six games. Before the World Cup, he showcased his potential by scoring an unbeaten 37 off 21 balls, leading Australia's successful chase of 191 against South Africa. However, during the World Cup, he often fell at crucial junctures in the innings, his best being 35 runs in five innings. The T20 format may provide the ideal platform for Stoinis to rediscover his form, similar to the resurgence seen in Suryakumar Yadav. His contribution could be vital for Australia, especially in their endeavour to level the series, offering him a chance to regain his confidence and form.
Team Composition
India's Approach
Given the length of the series, India is unlikely to make significant changes to its squad. A notable decision in the first match was placing Ishan Kishan at No. 3, a move that was unexpected considering the ongoing competition for the opening slot involving Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal. With the potential for swing in the upcoming matches, India might contemplate altering their lineup. One possibility could be including Shivam Dube, possibly in place of a spinner.
However, this brings up the dilemma of whether to omit Axar Patel, which would seem unfair given his recent performances, or Ravi Bishnoi, whose exclusion could weaken India's bowling attack. Other players who could be considered for inclusion are Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar, and Avesh Khan.
Australia's Strategy
Australia, on the other hand, doesn’t have pressing reasons to modify their playing XI significantly. However, the return of their World Cup winners Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, and Adam Zampa, who have been rested after their World Cup stint, will eventually be factored into the team composition. A key decision will be the placement of Travis Head, potentially in place of either Steven Smith or Matthew Short.
Tanveer Sangha’s recent performance, conceding 47 runs in four overs, raises questions about his role in the team. Additional squad members like Aaron Hardie and Kane Richardson provide further options for Australia to consider.
Pitch and Weather Report
Thiruvananthapuram, having only staged three T20 Internationals, presents a notable challenge for teams batting first. The scores from these matches illustrate this difficulty: a low 67 for 5 in a rain-shortened eight-over game, a more substantial 170 for 7 on a slower pitch, and 106 for 8 in another match. Apart from the first game affected by rain, the outcomes have favoured the teams batting second.
This historical trend suggests that chasing might be the preferable strategy in the upcoming match on Sunday, especially with rain predicted. Players can expect humid conditions with temperatures ranging in the late 20s to early 30s Celsius, factors that could significantly impact the game's dynamics and team strategies.
Team Line-ups
India (Probable): Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Rinku Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Tilak Varma
Australia (Probable): Steven Smith, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Short, Aaron Hardie, Matthew Wade (capt, wk), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Jason Behrendorff, Tanveer Sangha
Dream11 Prediction
Broadcast Details
The 2nd T20I match between India and Australia will be broadcast live on the Sports 18 network, available in various languages to cater to a diverse audience. For fans in India, the match can be streamed live for free on the JioCinema app and website, offering convenient access from multiple devices.
This exciting cricket encounter is scheduled to take place at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The match is set for Sunday, November 26, and will commence at 7 pm Indian Standard Time, ensuring prime-time viewing for cricket enthusiasts.
Conclusion
As the series progresses to its second T20I, both India and Australia are poised to put on a spectacular show. With individual brilliance, team strategies, and unpredictable pitch conditions all playing a part, this encounter is likely to be as thrilling as the series opener. Fans can expect a blend of tactical cricket and explosive performances as both teams vie for supremacy in Thiruvananthapuram.
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