Ranchi: They are two teams with two different targets when the three-match T20 series between India and Australia starts here Saturday. While India will seek to continue their dominance which they achieved in the ODI series with a 4-1 triumph, the Aussies will seek a reversal in fortunes.
With both batters and bowlers working in tandem, India have looked a very formidable side in the last couple of months. The pace and swing of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, the guile of Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel coupled with Hardik Pandya’s spectacular rise as an all-rounder – all have contributed in making India appear seemingly impregnable. Most importantly, someone or the other have always raised their hand whenever, the team have needed it.
“We just want to improve ourselves every time, we keep asking questions to each other. We keep learning from the senior players on what else we can do and how to improve, how to adapt to different conditions and the wickets. The focus is on training. We don’t focus on results, but how to perfectly execute the plans we have set. We want to get better every game,” said pacer Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the opening match, here Friday.
That in a nutshell sums up India’s attitude which is of not beating the opposition, but bettering themselves in every outing. When that happens, it is but quite natural that results will be positive. Sri Lanka have felt the brunt of this attitude and so have Australia in the ODIs. It now remains to be seen whether the Aussies can script a turnaround.
The Indians have dominated the T20 games against the Aussies boasting of a 9-4 head-to-head record. The last time the two teams played a three-match T20 series, India won 3-0. So there can be no doubt that the visitors have a tough job on their hands.
For India, all eyes would be on old warhorse Ashish Nehra, who has been recalled for the T20I series, having last played against England in February this year. He has played 26 T20 games and has 34 wickets to his name. The 38-year-old’s ability to notch up pace and his death bowling ability will definitely worry the Australians.
If the Australians are to succeed, then their middle-order has to fire. The over-dependence on David Warner and Steven Smith has contributed largely to their downfall. With both not in the best of forms, the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head and Moises Henriques (new addition) will have to put their hands up if the visitors are to challenge the hosts.
Both the Indians and the Australians could not practice on the day due to intermittent showers which is expected to continue Saturday also. For a result, both sides will have to play a minimum of five overs each.
press trust of India
