Match Preview: India vs Australia, Australia in India 2023 5th T20I

Heading into the 5th T20I in Bengaluru, India, with a series lead, faces Australia in what promises to be a high-octane clash. After varied contests, from run-fests to balanced games, Bengaluru's pitch, known for its run-scoring nature, sets the stage for another thrilling encounter. With India's recent changes and Australia’s limited squad options, the match presents unique challenges, especially considering the quick turnaround time.

Form Guide - India: WLWWW

India's recent T20I form, marked by a sequence of WLWWW, showcases their strength and resilience in the format. The team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has demonstrated an ability to rise to the occasion under pressure, with individual players making significant contributions. Notably, Jitesh Sharma, in his series debut, scored an impactful 19-ball 35 in Raipur, demonstrating his potential in high-pressure situations.

Rinku Singh also emerged as more than just a finisher, exhibiting the technique needed to set up totals effectively. However, the fast-bowling unit has been an area of concern, although Deepak Chahar's return from injury and his performance later in the game provides a positive outlook. The team is looking forward to a more comprehensive performance from the fast bowlers in the upcoming match.

Form Guide - Australia: LWLLW

Australia's recent T20I form is a mixed bag with an LWLLW record. The team, facing a tight turnaround of under 48 hours, has experienced challenges but players like Travis Head, Tanveer Sangha, and Matthew Short, who have been in India since the ODI World Cup, bring valuable continuity and experience. Australia has extensively rotated their squad, trying out 19 players in the series to manage fatigue.

Their batting lineup, though effective against fast bowlers, has struggled against Indian spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel. The Bengaluru pitch, less favourable to spin, might offer them some respite. The team aims to end their India tour on a high, hoping to find balance and consistency in their performance.

Players to Watch

Yashasvi Jaiswal

In the current T20I series, barring the third match, Yashasvi Jaiswal has consistently provided India with rapid starts, though he's yet to stay beyond the powerplay overs. His run-scoring prowess in the initial six overs is unmatched in the series, with Jaiswal topping the charts and maintaining a striking rate of 174.62, only second to Travis Head's 194.11.

The Indian team management is hopeful for Jaiswal to extend his impactful starts into more substantial innings. His early T20I career has been impressive, with two fifties and a century in just 11 innings, indicating his potential for significant contributions in Bengaluru.

Aaron Hardie

Aaron Hardie, on the other hand, is yet to make a notable impact in T20Is. However, the conditions at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium seem ideally suited to his preferences, favouring his style that thrives on pace and the ball coming onto the bat. Hardie's successful 2022-23 BBL season, where he emerged as the top run-scorer, is indicative of his capabilities.

Despite not fully showcasing his big-hitting talent in the two T20Is he's played in this series, the Bengaluru pitch and its boundary dimensions might be the perfect setting for him to unleash his potential. Additionally, his contributions to the ball could make him a key player to watch in the upcoming match.

Team Composition

In the fourth T20I against Australia, India implemented four changes to their lineup. With the series already secured, the Indian team might explore additional changes for the final match. There's a possibility that Washington Sundar could be included, potentially replacing either Axar Patel or Ravi Bishnoi. Additionally, Tilak Varma might get an opportunity, especially if the team management decides to rest any top-order batsmen. In the fast-bowling department, the trio of Mukesh Kumar, Deepak Chahar, and Avesh Khan, who played in Raipur, are expected to be retained without changes for the upcoming game.

On the Australian side, options for significant changes are limited due to the smaller squad size, as they have only 13 players remaining. Nevertheless, the team could contemplate a strategic alteration, possibly introducing either Kane Richardson or Nathan Ellis into the lineup, potentially in place of Tanveer Sangha. This change would be aimed at adjusting their bowling strategy to suit the conditions and challenges presented in the final game of the series.

Pitch and Weather Report

The Chinnaswamy Stadium has recently been a haven for high-scoring games, with its characteristically short boundaries and batter-friendly pitch. This trend suggests that the upcoming match on Sunday could be another high-scoring affair, or a 'run-fest' as it's popularly known. Reflecting on this year's IPL season, it's noteworthy that scores surpassing 180 were recorded in nine out of fourteen innings played at this venue. Additionally, during the ODI World Cup, batters found considerable success here, further emphasizing the stadium's reputation for facilitating high scores.

Weather-wise, the forecast for the match day indicates cloudy skies, but fortunately, there doesn't seem to be any risk of rain interrupting play. Temperatures are expected to be comfortable, ranging between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, creating ideal conditions for a day of exciting cricket. This combination of a favourable pitch and pleasant weather sets the stage for what could be an enthralling encounter between the two teams.

Team Line-ups

India (Probable): Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer/Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel/Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.

Australia (Probable): Matthew Wade (capt, wk), Josh Phillippe, Travis Head, Ben McDermott, Aaron Hardie, Tim David, Matthew Short, Ben Dwarshuis, Chris Green, Jason Behrendorff, Tanveer Sangha/Nathan Ellis/Kane Richardson.

Dream11 Prediction

Broadcast Details

The 5th T20I between India and Australia will be broadcast live on the Sports18 network in a variety of languages. Fans in India can stream the match live on the JioCinema app and website. The game is scheduled to start at 7 pm (IST), which corresponds to 1:30 pm (GMT), ensuring accessibility for a wide audience both on television and online platforms.

Conclusion

A dramatic series finale awaits at Bengaluru's high-scoring Chinnaswamy Stadium for the final T20I. India, who are currently leading the series, aims to solidify their dominance, while Australia, who are adjusting to the pitch and utilizing their remaining squad, is searching for a strong finish. This match has the potential to showcase adaptability and cricketing skills, with expectations for high scores and tactical changes.

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