Hobart T20I: India make three changes against Australia; Arshdeep included
What's the story
India won the toss and elected to field against Australia in the 3rd T20I at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, at the toss, announced the three changes in India's XI. Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh has finally returned to the side, replacing Harshit Rana. Australia lead the five-match series 1-0 after winning at MCG. The series opener was washed out.
Changes
Changes in India and Australia XIs
As mentioned, Arshdeep has replaced Harshit Rana in the Indian XI. The former is India's highest wicket-taker in T20I cricket. Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma and Washington Sundar have replaced Sanju Samson and Kuldeep Yadav, respectively. On the other hand, Sean Abbott has returned to the XI, replacing Josh Hazlewood. The latter has been released from the Australian squad to focus on The Ashes.
Playing XIs
A look at Playing XIs
Australia (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh (captain), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Matthew Kuhnemann. India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (wicket-keeper), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways
Arshdeep has finally got a game after warming the bench. The move comes after criticism over India's continued preference for Harshit. Jitesh has entered the XI at the expense of Samson. The latter, who had formed a lethal opening pair with Abhishek, was earlier demoted with Gill's entry. Meanwhile, the Indian team management continues its proclivity for a batter at No. 8.
Record
A look at head-to-head record
The two teams have locked horns in 34 T20Is to date, with India winning 20. While Australia have prevailed in 12 games, two were abandoned. According to ESPNcricinfo, India have a 7-5 win-loss record against Australia Down Under. They also lead 10-6 against Australia at home. Notably, Australia have never defeated India in a home T20I series (multiple matches).