India vs Australia 2022- First T20I - Preview: Probable Playing XI, Live Streaming, Pitch Report

India and Australia will lock horns in the first T20I of the three-match series in Mohali on September 20. Both teams have had a rough time in recent times. Talking about Australia, they lost an ODI against Zimbabwe. Even though they clean-swept New Zealand, they had issues that they need to address. On the other hand, India failed to defend their Asia Cup trophy as they couldn't qualify for the final. They would be looking to address their issues as well.

Talking about the series, both teams are looking to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming 20-20 World Cup next month. Both teams have named their squad for the showpiece event and the same set of players are part of the series. This is the first time since early 2019 that both teams are playing a T20I series in India.

Team News

India

The team's bowling attack was boosted after the comeback of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel. The duo was ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022 due to injuries. On the other hand, the team lost the services of Mohammed Shami, who recently contracted COVID-19. Umesh Yadav has been named Shami's replacement. Apart from this, everything looks just fine for the team.

The players will be looking to get some form going either with the bat or ball before the World Cup. Making a batting line-up could be tricky, especially with Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik in the side. The latter didn't get enough game time in the Asia Cup. It will be interesting to see how team management handles the situation as they would want to make the right playing XI.

Probable Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah

Australia

Talking about the team, they haven't played a T20I since Sri Lanka a few months ago. Since then, they have played quite a few ODIs which was surprising given the other teams have been playing more T20Is to prepare for the upcoming World Cup. Talking about the team, they are without the likes of David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Mitchell Starc.

Warner has been rested while the rest of the players have been ruled out due to injuries. They have been replaced by the likes of Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams, and Sean Abbott. Due to Marsh's absence, former skipper Steve Smith has been confirmed as the number three batter. On the other hand, either Nathan Ellis or Daniel Sams is likely to play in the pacers slot. Sean Abbott is also likely to play as an all-rounder.

Probable Playing XI: Aaron Finch (c), Josh Inglis, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade (wk), Tim David, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (VC), Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis

Match Details

India vs Australia 2022, First T20I

Date & Time – Tuesday, 20th September 2022, 7:30 PM(IST)

Venue – Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh

Live Broadcast and Streaming – The game can be watched live on the Star Sports Network. On the other hand, online streaming will be available on Hotstar.

Pitch Report

Talking about the venue, it has witnessed some high-scoring games in the past. The highest total at his ground is 211/4 by India. This suggests that the wicket is docile and helpful for the batters. As it is an early season of cricket in India, the viewers can expect a flat wicket.