India vs AUS 2019, T20I: 3 major takeaways from the series
Australia are in India for a short limited overs tour comprising of two T20Is and five ODIs. The 2 matches T20I series concluded yesterday with Glenn "Big Show" Maxwell singlehandedly handing India a series defeat.
This was India's third series whitewash in T20Is, but more than the defeats, it is how they lost which could give their team management some worries ahead of their World Cup campaign. Crucial moments were not capitalized upon and they let the Aussies take complete control.
On the other hand, after a string of defeats in the limited overs format in recent times, it was a breath of fresh air for Australia to pull off two wins on a trot in Indian conditions.
Their victory, won in a tight and close contest in the first T20 and Maxwell's magnificant batting aided by D'Arcy Short and Peter Handscomb', ensured that the visitors were able to win the second T20I comfortably.
Here's a look back on a short yet thrilling T20I series by analyzing the major takeaways from the series.
Australia's fielding and catching were the defining factor
Australia knew that they had a pretty strong team which would face off against India for the T20I series. But they also were aware that on paper, India looked far more likely to succeed - the recent results in India's tour down-under a testament to that.
The Aussies had to be on top of their game and get the basics spot on. If they managed to do that for most part of both T20Is, then India could be defeated. And that is exactly what happened.
On the field, all the Australian fielders had a good series with very few runs leaked, and also some fine catches taken, which shifted the momentum away from India.
As is common to many previous Australian touring sides, this team also delivered an exhibition in high pressure fielding and catching. Some acts of pure brilliance such as Jason Behrendorff's fine effort at point to send Rishabh Pant packing was essential in Australia's clinical performance in both T20Is.
Another good example of Australia's fielding and catching was Jhye Richardson's fine catch to dismiss a well-set KL Rahul in the second T20 at Bengaluru.