Australia Shake Up XI: Short Replaces Philippe
Ahead of the decisive T20I, Australia has dropped underperforming opener Josh Philippe (33 runs in 2 matches) for power-hitter D’Arcy Short. The left-hander, a Big Bash League (BBL) star, adds firepower against India’s spin duo—Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar. Short’s partnership with Aaron Finch could boost Australia’s powerplay scoring.
India Sticks to Winning Formula
Captain Virat Kohli retained the same XI after India’s dominant 2nd T20I win. The top order (KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Kohli) and finishers like Hardik Pandya aim to post a strong total. Pacers Jasprit Bumrah and T Natarajan remain key threats.
Toss & Weather: Bowlers’ Advantage?
Australia elected to bowl first at the SCG, banking on overcast skies aiding swing. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood may exploit early moisture, while spinners could dominate later. Dew hasn’t been a factor, but cloud cover raises questions about batting conditions.
3 Key Player Battles
- Short vs Chahal: Can Short neutralize Chahal’s variations?
- Kohli vs Zampa: Zampa has dismissed Kohli twice this series.
- Finch vs Bumrah: Finch’s aggression vs Bumrah’s death-overs mastery.
Series on the Line
At 1-1, both teams face a virtual final. Australia’s gamble on Short and India’s consistency set the stage for a thrilling clash.
