Aus v Ind 2nd T20I Preview: India aim to wrap the series

India are on a verge of a series win when they come out to play the second match at the MCG after overpowering Australia in the 1st T20 international. Indian spinners put up a clinical show and helped India bring down the hosts by 37 runs on the Republic day. India would be definitely expecting a similar performance at the MCG as well. The Australians, on the other hand, have a weakened squad but would still be optimistic about saving the series. The pitch is would be batter-friendly with assistance to spin. However, the only worrying factor for both teams would be the weather conditions.

Australia

Two-star batsmen in the Australian line-up, David Warner and Steven Smith have been rested as they to prepare for the New Zealand series. Which means Shaun Marsh has to now step up in their absence and perform the duties of the opening the innings with Aaron Finch. Glenn Maxwell is likely to return to the squad after being rested due to a knee niggles. His return will truly add more firepower in the middle order. Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Shane Watson and James Faulkner make up for the rest of the middle order.  The MCG, as we all know, supports spin and if Australia intend to save the series they have to play as Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja carefully.  Similarly, Nathan Lyon can also get his T20 cap. And, if it happens Cameron Boyce would have to sit out. Shaun Tait and Kane Richardson are also expected to be retained in the playing XI.

India

India have many positive factors to look up to after the first T20I. Youngsters Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik played impressively and proved their potentials. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are back to their best. Batting was never a problem in this series so far. India top order has been rock solid throughout this tour. Ashish Nehra and Suresh Raina were highly impressive in their comeback match. Yuvi did not get any chance to perform but would be craving make his presence felt. Dhoni never fiddles with the winning combination and will most likely to go in with last match’s playing XI. India looks on a high and should probably end the upcoming match on a high to take an unassailable lead over the Aussies in the series.

Playing XI (Probable)

Australia:  Aaron Finch (c), Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, Matthew Wade (wk), James Faulkner, Nathan Lyon/ Cameron Boyce, Kane Richardson, Shaun Tait.

India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Yuvraj Singh, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra.

Stats & Trivia

• Virat Kohli now has 10 scores of fifty or more in Twenty20 internationals, the most for an Indian. Overall only four other batsmen have reached fifty more often: Brendon McCullum, Chris Gayle, Tillakaratne Dilshan and David Warner.
• Australia has managed to win only one Twenty20 international after conceding 160 runs when bowling first. The success came way back in the semi-final of the 2010 World T20.
• Yuvraj Singh needs 32 more runs to achieve 1,000 runs milestone in T20 Internationals.