Not often do India wrap up a series overseas with a match remaining. That done, Virat Kohli’s men now have a golden chance to claim a 3-0 T20I sweep at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday. That should be enough motivation ahead of the Test series, which begins in another 10 days.
Neither Jasprit Bumrah nor Mohammed Shami were required in the series-clinching win on Sunday with the likes of T. Natarajan and Shardul Thakur performing their task to perfection.
Even the absence of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja didn’t have an impact during their convincing six-wicket win. Hardik Pandya’s heroics did fetch the victory in the end but the efforts of Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli cannot be undermined.
Natarajan has been a revelation for India in the limited overs series. His left-arm variety and ability to execute under pressure helped him produce stunning figures of two for 20 on Sunday. He should be in the running for the Man of the Series award — Pandya, named Man of the Match in the second T20I, felt Natarajan deserved it more than him.
Tuesday’s match is also a significant moment for Australia in their fight against the pandemic. It will be the first time a stadium will host a match with 100 per cent capacity crowd. So expect a sea of blue at the SCG.
Australia have had their injury problems but are unlikely to risk any of their Test players. They will rely on the leg-spin pairing of Adam Zampa and Mitchell Swepson, though the pace attack will be tested again without Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Kane Richardson.
The difference between India and Australia on Sunday was the batting of the two teams during the middle overs. Australia lost a bit of momentum after stand-in skipper Matthew Wade was dismissed while his opposite number Kohli played some outrageous shots after the Powerplay to up the ante.
Australia will hope captain Aaron Finch returns for Tuesday’s clash after missing the second T20I due to a minor glute strain. If Finch does return, Steve Smith could be rested.
⦿ Match starts: 1.40pm (IST)
