IND vs AUS Live Score, 2nd T20I: Australian captain Mitchell Starc won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the second T20 International at the MCG today.
The visitors retain the same playing XI from the rain-soaked series opener in Canberra, while Australia make one change – Matthew Short comes on for Josh Philippe.
The opening game of the five-match series was marred by persistent rain, so both teams were eager for a full contest this time.
PLAYING XI:
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Australia: Mitchell Marsh(c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis(w), Tim David, Matthew Short, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood.
India enter the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground today with renewed confidence after skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s return to form in the rain-marred series opener in Canberra. The stylish right-hander, under pressure after a lean patch, smashed a 24-ball 39 with a mammoth 125-metre six off Josh Hazlewood before rain halted India’s charge to 97 for one in 9.4 overs.
India’s aggressive T20 approach shaped by head coach Gautam Gambhir was once again evident. Gambhir’s philosophy – of regularly targeting totals of 250-260, even at the cost of occasional collapses – has redefined Indian batting. Young gunners Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube epitomize this fearless style as India prepare to defend their T20 World Cup title next year in India and Sri Lanka.
With the ball, India’s attack remains formidable, combining Jasprit Bumrah’s accuracy, Varun Chakravarthy’s arcane spin and Kuldeep Yadav’s guile, with Axar Patel providing the balance. However, the visitors will be wary of Australia’s explosive top order featuring Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis – all capable of turning games within the overs.
However, Australia’s bowling attack lacks its usual firepower, with Mitchell Starc out of T20Is and Pat Cummins sidelined. The onus is now on Hazlewood and a young supporting cast, including Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett, to fill India’s high-octane batting line-up in what promises to be another thrilling contest – weather permitting.
