In a pivotal clash in Hobart, India has opted to bowl first against Australia in the third T20I of the five-match series. This decision came after winning the toss, much to the delight of Suryakumar Yadav, who is captaining the Indian team.
Team Changes Ahead of the Match
India has made three key changes to its lineup. Jitesh Sharma has been brought in to keep wickets, replacing Sanju Samson. Washington Sundar is set to take the place of Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh has been introduced to replace Harshit Rana in the bowling attack.
Australia’s Lineup Adjustments
Australia made one change to their winning team from the last match. Sean Abbott is stepping in for Josh Hazlewood, who has departed the squad to prepare for the Ashes in the Sheffield Shield.
- India’s Team:
- 1. Shubman Gill
- 2. Abhishek Sharma
- 3. Suryakumar Yadav (capt)
- 4. Tilak Varma
- 5. Axar Patel
- 6. Shivam Dube
- 7. Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- 8. Washington Sundar
- 9. Arshdeep Singh
- 10. Varun Chakravarthy
- 11. Jasprit Bumrah
- Australia’s Team:
- 1. Mitchell Marsh (capt)
- 2. Travis Head
- 3. Josh Inglis (wk)
- 4. Tim David
- 5. Glenn Maxwell
- 6. Mitchell Owen/Matthew Short
- 7. Marcus Stoinis
- 8. Xavier Bartlett
- 9. Sean Abbott
- 10. Nathan Ellis
- 11. Matt Kuhnemann
Maxwell’s Fitness Concerns
Glenn Maxwell remains unfit to play despite rejoining the squad. Initially, he showed no issues with his previously fractured wrist during net sessions. However, he lacked confidence in his throwing and catching abilities. Consequently, Australia decided to rest him, allowing more time for recovery ahead of the fourth T20I on the Gold Coast.
Context of the Series
India is looking to level the series after losing the first match. The first T20I in Canberra was washed out, leaving Australia with a 1-0 lead. A win today would enable India to tie the series, thus increasing the stakes for both teams.
The weather in Hobart is favorable, with a clear evening expected. The afternoon temperature reached 27 degrees, but it is anticipated to cool as the match progresses.
