#IndiaInAustralia: First T20I- Key players, battles and Dream XI
India and Australia gear up for the first T20I of the three-match series, starting Wednesday at the Brisbane Cricket Stadium. The Virat Kohli-led side has produced an amazing brand of cricket this year in T20Is. Aussies, on the other hand, have been in woeful form, this term. But expect a tough battle, with both teams having big match players at their disposal. Here's more.
Key Indian player that could influence the game
Rohit Sharma is in amazing form with the bat. He is the fourth highest run-getter in T20Is in 2018. He recently smashed his fourth career T20I ton against West Indies. Known as one of the most ruthless batters in world cricket, Rohit will be eyeing to become the highest T20Is run-scorer in the world by overtaking New Zealand's Martin Guptill.
Key Australian player that could make the difference
The Aussie pacer has the potential of dominating oppositions with his excellent variations and change of pace. He bowls yorkers at will and hardly sets a foot wrong. The celebrated bowler is the highest wicket-taker in T20Is this year, with 29 scalps. Stopping the Indian batting will be a task, but Tye could be the main architect for the Aussies.
Rohit Sharma vs Nathan Coulter-Nile
Rohit batting against Aussie speedster Nathan Coulter-Nile will be quite the treat for fans. Coulter-Nile was among the wickets for the Aussies in the last T20I encounter against South Africa and picked 2/19 in the 10-over match. The Aussie's tight line and length will test Rohit. He would bowl in-swingers and the short ball to Rohit, in order to tempt him.
Chris Lynn versus Jasprit Bumrah
This would be the first time, these two face each other in international cricket. Lynn has faced JB in the IPL and he didn't have a great time against the pacer. In 18 deliveries bowled to Lynn, the Mumbai Indians pacer dismissed him twice and conceded only 20 runs. Bumrah's unorthodox style could make the aggressive Lynn uneasy.
Dream XI: Rohit to lead, Tye is his deputy
Rohit's rich form means he gets to lead this fantasy side. Tye, who has been 2018's best T20I bowler is the vice-captain. Lynn alongside Kohli, D'Arcy Short and wicket-keeper batsman DK add onus in batting department. We have gone with two spin all-rounders in Krunal and Maxwell. Kuldeep is the lone main spinner. JB and Stanlake come in to support Tye in pace attack.
