Match Preview: India vs Australia, Australia in India 2023 2nd T20I

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