Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey

AUS vs IND 3rd T20I Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs IND 3rd T20I Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs India 3rd T20I Key Players | SCG Pitch Report

2015/16 vibes. After India lost the ODI series convincingly in their tour of Australia five years ago, they went on to sweep the three-match T20I series. This included a successful chase of 190+ at SCG, which was achieved again this time around, courtesy of Hardik Pandya’s MS Dhoni-like finishing.

Now, the Indians have the chance to repeat the 3-0 whitewash, and given their record in T20Is of late and Australia’s depleted state, one would be brave to pick against it. Virat Kohli’s team has now won each of their last 10 completed T20Is, and with a home World T20 less than a year away, the motivation will be there to continue the winning run.

The form of Hardik Pandya and emergence of T Natarajan has underpinned India’s three-match winning streak (3rd ODI, first two T20Is) on this tour. One feels that if the platform is set for these two to perform, India will be difficult to beat once again. So, eyes will be on the Indian top order, as well as the bowling attack, to work as a unit to keep Australia at bay.

For the home side, this series has been a story of frustration. Australia were well on top in many stages of the opening T20I in Canebrra, only to be undone by two players performing brilliantly in a substitution, as well as their own lack of composure. Death bowling was an issue at Canberra, and then again at Sydney, as a delicious buffet of slot deliveries were gobbled up by Pandya and co.

But, even though the series is gone, the opportunity remains for certain players to push their claim for regular T20 spots in the coming months, as preparations for the T20 World Cup will continue to ramp up.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

• Hardik Pandya, who was player of the match in the second T20I, has had a superb tour to date. He has struck 90 (76), 28 (31), 92* (76), 16 (15) and 42* (22) across the ODIs and T20Is.
• Virat Kohli enjoys playing T20 cricket at the SCG. In three T20Is on this ground, Kohli has struck two half centuries and a score of 40 (24), which was two days ago.
• Matthew Wade, who has been excellent in BBL cricket over the past two seasons (943 runs, average of 44.90 and SR 155.10), transferred that form in the T20I arena. His 58 (32) set the tone for Australia last game, before a calamitous run out. Can he produce again today?
• There is a chance Steve Smith will be rested for this match ahead of the Test series starting in nine days. If he plays, he will be key once again, as he is enjoying a fine run of form at the SCG in recent matches.
• Aaron Finch is a chance of returning from injury for this match. If he does, Australia will welcome back a player with the second-most runs in AUS-IND T20Is (440, avg. 31.42, SR 137.07).
• KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan, who were the top two run-scorers in IPL 2020, both have a half-century to their name in this series so far.
• It has been a quiet series so far for Glenn Maxwell (scores of 2 & 22). As an experienced member in an inexperienced team, a lot will rest on Maxwell to perform. Overall, Maxwell has the third-most runs in AUS-IND T20Is (377 runs, avg. 31.41, SR 146.12).
• Marcus Stoinis to open if Finch is out? Australia would be well-served sending Stoinis out in his preferred position in T20s. He struck 705 runs in 17 innings at opener in last year’s Big Bash, at an average of 54.23 and SR 136.62.
• How impressive has T Natarajan been? He has taken five wickets in two matches so far this series (3/30 and 2/20) at an economy rate of just over six. His variety has been a key feature in his performances, as opposed to just having the yorker.
• Adam Zampa will be key for Australia. The leg-spinner has taken 15 wickets in his last 13 T20Is, and will be the man to turn to for wickets in the middle overs.
• Andrew Tye was expensive two nights ago (1/47). However, Australia will be hoping for wickets from him, as he has taken six scalps in four T20Is at the SCG – the most of any bowler.
• Shardul Thakur has taken four wickets in his two matches so far on tour (3/51 in Canberra ODI, 1/39 in Sydney T20I).

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head: Matches 22, Australia 8, India 13, N/R 1.
• India have won their last 10 completed T20Is. Also, India have won seven of their past eight completed T20Is against Australia in Australia.
• Moises Henriques performed well in the opening T20I (3/22 and 30). Australia should utilise him more in this match, given that the SCG pitch often suits cutters into the surface.
• Yuzvendra Chahal has struggled at the SCG this tour. In the ODIs, he took a combined 1/160 in 19 overs, followed by 1/51 in the second T20I. Can he bounce back today on this ground?
• India have won all three T20Is they have played at the SCG (2016, 2018 and 2020).

Possible Playing 11

Justin Langer said that Aaron Finch is a chance of returning for the third T20I. In his last 11 T20 Internationals, D’Arcy Short has struck just 190 runs at an average of 17.27 and strike rate of 95.95. Australia could look at elevating Marcus Stoinis to opener if Aaron Finch isn’t fit.

Also, Australia could look at resting Steve Smith as he has played all five white-ball matches so far. Alex Carey is a chance of coming in.

Australia: 1. Aaron Finch/D’Arcy Short, 2. Matthew Wade, 3. Marcus Stoinis, 4. Steve Smith/Alex Carey, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Moises Henriques, 7. Sean Abbott, 8. Daniel Sams, 9. Mitchell Swepson, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. AJ Tye

India could go in with an unchanged XI to ensure the likes of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah get an extended break ahead of the Tests.

India: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. KL Rahul (wk), 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. Sanju Samson, 5. Shreyas Iyer, 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Shardul Thakur, 8. Washington Sundar, 9. Deepak Chahar, 10. T Natarajan, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

SCG Pitch Report and Weather

Another good batting surface is expected at the SCG, with good cutters and yorkers the need of the hour for bowlers throughout the innings. In terms of the wather, there is a chance of a southerly change which could bring a strong breeze. This may affect tactics throughout the match.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2 (if Finch plays & Smith is rested):

Match Prediction

India hold the aces and have a wider range of players who can influence the game. India to win.

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