India vs Australia T20 series preview - BIG hitting vs BIGGER hitting.

After a rather somber ODI series which saw Australia totally outplay a strong Indian side, the real deal now kicks off as India and Australia go head to head in a 5 match T20 series that starts on Wednesday in Canberra. The series is a crucial one for both sides as the T20 World Cup isn't far away and both sides need to get their combinations right before the tournament.

India will be bolstered by the return of regulars like Abhishek Sharma, Surya Kumar Yadav, Sanju Samson and most importantly, Jasprit Bumrah. They were all a part of the thrilling Asia cup win last month and will be keen to have a go at the  blistering batting line up of the hosts. Shubman Gill has also retained his opening slot with Abhishek and with Arshdeep, Harshit Rana Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy the bowling line up looks well oiled. 

India though will miss the services of Hardik Pandya as he still is recovering from his quadriceps injury. Nitish Reddy has been announced as his replacement, but is unlikely to make the cut as Axar Patel and Shivam Dube will start in all likelihood. Jitesh Sharma, who was also a part of the Asia Cup winning squad has retained his place as the back up wicket- keeper

Like India, The hosts too have Maxwell back and his inclusion will boost an already robust batting line up. Mitchell Marsh, Tim David, Mitch Owen, Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Short are some of the names that are in the squad and Jos Inglish along with Josh Phillipie form a dream batting line up that are enough to give any opponents a throbbing headache. 

Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbot and Matthew Kunheman form a competent bowling line up while Ben Dwarshius and Tanveer Sangha provide enough cover to contain the big hitting Indian side.

With weather permitting and pitches being fair to both bat and ball, a riveting series is in prospect as both sides enjoy a terrific recent record in the format. Following the first game on Wednesday, the caravan moves to the iconic MCG on Friday, followed by Hobart and Gold coast before winding up at the Gabba on November 8.

Australia Squad: 

Mitchell Marsh(c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Tim David, Josh Inglis(w), Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Philippe, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Ben Dwarshuis.

India Squad: 

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Jitesh Sharma