India vs Australia 2019: Australia's predicted playing XI for the 1st T20I
The Australian cricket team will begin their tour of India on February 24th with a T20I in Visakhapatnam. The T20I will be followed by another at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore and a 5-match ODI series after that.
Both the teams appear to be in good form ahead of the series. Hosts India won the ODI series in New Zealand, and lost 2-1 in a closely contested T20I series. Meanwhile, Australia won a two-match Test series 2-0 against Sri Lanka and have selected this squad primarily based on BBL and recent performances.
Though the hosts India will be the clear favorites, the Aussies have often shown their fighting instinct and they may throw a surprise or two.
Let's take a look at Australia's Predicted XI for the first T20I.
Openers: Aaron Finch and D'Arcy Short
Skipper Aaron Finch and BBL top scorer D'Arcy Short seem set to open the batting for the Aussies in the 1st T20I. Finch recently tasted success and won the BBL with the Melbourne Renegades, while Short's Hobart Hurricanes were on top of the table in the group stage, only to lose in the semi-final.
Short last played in Indian conditions during last season's IPL which was a forgettable outing for him as he failed to adapt. He has changed considerably from last time around and has been highly consistent against pacers and spinners alike lately. This will be a great chance for him to prove his worth to the team once more.
Finch will look to combine well with Short and put on a good opening stand. He has had a tough time in international cricket recently and hasn't been among the runs, but will hope that this series will revive his lost form.