AUS vs IND, 2nd T20I Match: Australia vs India Toss Update and Playing XIs
Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first against India in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Both teams remain largely unchanged as rain threatens to disrupt play once again in Melbourne.
The action moves to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground as Australia and India face off in the second T20I of the five-match series. After the opening match in Canberra was washed out due to persistent rain, both teams will be desperate for a full game tonight to take an early lead in the series.
India were left frustrated by the weather in the first T20I after dominating the first innings at 97 for 1 in just 10 overs when rain forced the players off. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and opener Shubman Gill looked in fine touch, setting a solid foundation before the heavens opened. Despite the washout, India would take confidence from the batting intent shown by their top order.
Australia win toss, elect to bowl first as rain threatens to disrupt play in the second T20I at the MCG
At the toss in Melbourne, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won and opted to bowl first, hoping to take advantage of the conditions that might assist the pacers early on. He mentioned that the pitch looked good for cricket and expressed his team’s excitement to play at the historic venue. Australia made one change to their lineup, with Matthew Short replacing Josh Philippe.
Suryakumar Yadav, on the other hand, said that losing the toss wasn’t a concern for India since they were prepared to bat first anyway. He reiterated that the team wants to stick with their aggressive brand of cricket, aiming to set a strong total and let their spinners take control later in the innings. India have gone in with the same XI that played in Canberra, continuing to back the combination of Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel in the spin department.
Weather once again looms as a factor, with rain expected around the scheduled start time. However, forecasts indicate an improvement later in the evening, giving hope for at least a shortened contest.
If India can post around 170–180, it should be a competitive score given their spin options and Bumrah’s ability to control the death overs. Australia, meanwhile, will rely on their powerful middle order led by Marsh, Head, and Tim David to chase effectively under lights.
Playing XIs:
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Matthew Short, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood.
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