India have pulled off the highest run chase in women’s ODIs at the perfect time, knocking off champions Australia in one of the great wins. Chasing 339 for victory, India lost both their openers in the powerplay, before Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur and the middle order inspired a remarkable victory.
Jemimah, who thought she would be batting at five, played the innings of her life. Given India have lost so many close encounters in the past, Rodrigues had a mission of getting her team over the line. It is an incredible moment for a player who was dropped from the team earlier in the tournament.
“I thought I was going to bat at No. 5,” she said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “I was taking a shower and when the discussion was happening, I told them ‘let me know.’ Just five minutes before entering I learnt I would be at No. 3.”
“But I didn’t think about me. It was not for me to prove a point, it was just to win the match for India because we have always lost in crunch situations. So I wanted to stay till the end to take us through.”
Harmanpreet echoed similar thoughts. The captain combined with Jemimah for a 169-run stand after India lost both openers inside the powerplay. Smriti Mandhana’s wicket in particular looked a big turning point, but the clutch partnership put India in a great position to win.
“I am feeling very proud. I don’t have words to express myself. We have crossed that line which we have been working towards for a long time, we wanted to achieve this, and all the players have worked hard. We trusted each other, and I am proud of this team,” Harmanpreet said after she scored a crucial 89, as quoted by CricToday.
Rodrigues hit 14 fours, while Harmanpreet struck 10 fours and two sixes. Strike rotation was vital in ensuring the asking rate didn’t spiral out of control. Under pressure, India held their nerve better than the Australians, who crucially dropped some simple chances.
It set the platform for Deepti Sharma (24 off 17), Richa Ghosh (26 off 16) and Amanjot Kaur (15* off 8) to provide the all-important impact. The latter hit the winning runs, sparking huge celebrations (and tears) at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
IND-W vs AUS-W Twitter Reactions: India pull off the highest run chase in women’s ODIs to reach World Cup Final
“It will surely be the greatest run chase in the history of women’s One Day Internationals,” said the great Ian Bishop on commentary. “Given the context of a women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final, and India have strolled across the line defeating the former champions, now we can say, Australia, who had been unbeaten until now.
“Victory by five wickets to tears of joy and passion. They are into the final of this World Cup, and there will be a new name on the trophy of the ICC Women’s World Cup in a few days’ time.”
India’s victory sparked huge reactions online. India fans were full of joy, while Australians were left stunned that they didn’t defend 338.
“To surpass a total of 338 versus AUS, in a WC SF, is just a mind-numbing achivement,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “This match could do to women’s cricket what 83 world cup did for men’s cricket,” wrote another.
Here are some of the reactions to an incredible Indian win.
Agreed that there was dew. Agreed that chances were fluffed.
But this has to be the greatest successful chase in the history of cricket World Cups.
To surpass a total of 338 versus AUS, in a WC SF, is just a mind-numbing achivement.
In all the years to come, people will say the 2025 World Cup was the turning point on the way to parity with the men’s game for Women’s Cricket. Been some bloody amazing games…!
I know there is another game to be played but I can't imagine what this will do to the women's game in India. On par, if not more, than what Harmanpreet's 171 did eight years ago
Every generation needs a moment that defines belief. Tonight, Jemimah Rodrigues gave us ours. This picture right here will fuel every upcoming woman cricketer chasing greatness.
Australia may have woken up to a shock defeat for their incredible women’s cricket team but this remarkable win for India courtesy @JemiRodrigues is a new awakening for Indian women’s cricket & potentially the world or women’s cricket #CWC25
No matter who you’re supporting – I think there was a collective joy for Jemi scoring 💯 One of the great humans ❤️ Can she get them over the line #INDvAUS#CWC25
Jemimah Rodrigues – "I believe in Jesus and today Jesus helped me to chase down massive 339 runs, now it's time for finals". pic.twitter.com/CWveP4WzD2
Spare a thought for this wonderful team full of champion cricketers. It was a terrific campaign until it reached the 2nd innings of today's game. The likes of Perry and Healy, two of the greatest female cricketers, most likely have played their final World Cup game. https://t.co/o4ZNTeyc3D
A historic win for India – the highest successful chase in Women’s World Cup history. With it, they have ended Australia’s 15-match unbeaten streak in the tournament, which is now guaranteed to crown a new champion. #CWC25
Holy smokes. I’m feeling better already. Take a bow Jemi Rodrigues. Harmanpreet 2017 vibes all over it; surely this time a transformational knock. A star not so much born as catapulted into the stratosphere. Wolfvaardt v Rodrigues next. Delicious. #INDvAUS
India have done it again! Beating Australia in a Women’s ODI World Cup semifinal, just as they did in 2017. Australia’s incredible 8 year unbeaten run at the Women’s ODI World Cup ends. History repeating itself in the most dramatic way. What a moment for women’s cricket! #CWC25
This is the Gabba moment of women’s cricket, man… Easily the greatest win in Indian cricket this decade…. Defeating this Australia women's cricket , that too chasing 339.
Man, it's difficult to explain the statistical significance of tonight's win to someone who doesn't follow Women's cricket.
This Aus team is the mightiest ever in any sport, of any gender. India are the only ones who've pushed them at times, and heck they've only 4 times in the…
Earlier, Phoebe Litchfield’s superb hundred led Australia’s strong start. Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner then ensured Australia still finished with a strong total. However, it proved not enough.
India and South Africa will do battle at the same venue. There will be a brand new winner of the ODI World Cup, and it promises to be an incredible match.
The spotlight is on the Melbourne weather ahead of the second T20I between Australia and India. A crowd of 90,000 is expected at the MCG, and if the weather allows, we could be in for a cracking evening of T20 cricket.
India sent a reminder of their T20 prowess in the action that was possible in Canberra on Wednesday. Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav took their time to get going, but once they found their rhythm, one wondered how the Australians would keep them quiet. Eventually, the rain intervened.
For Australia, they need to find ways to keep this strong Indian batting lineup as quiet as possible. Forcing them to hit to the very long square boundaries will be a key tactic. Also, how quickly Australia’s top order can score will also prove vital to the result.
Both teams could field unchanged XIs given the limited action in the first T20I. This will be Josh Hazlewood’s final match of this series as he will leave the squad to prepare for the Ashes.
India could consider Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm pace bowler has dismissed Travis Head twice in 34 balls (51 runs) and Mitch Marsh thrice in 22 balls (39 runs) in T20s.
Melbourne Cricket Ground MCG Pitch Report and Weather
This will be the first T20I at the MCG since the 2022 T20 World Cup Final. In the 14 men’s BBL matches since, the average first innings score is 152.07 at a run rate of 7.82. Chasing teams won eight of these matches.
Fast bowlers have taken 94 wickets in this period at an average of 24.97 and economy of 8.08. Spinners have fared better, taking 55 wickets at a better average (24) and economy (6.88).
Fantasy Cricket Tips for AUS vs IND 2nd T20: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicket-keeper picks:
Josh Inglis is a good pick in Dream11 given he will bat at three. In all T20s batting at three this year, Inglis has scored 388 runs (average 35.3, strike rate 192.1).
Key batter picks:
Abhishek Sharma missed out in the first T20I, but his fearless attitude is always a threat to opponents. In 26 T20s in 2025, the left-hander has hammered 1,051 runs at an average of 40.4 and strike rate of 200.2
Again, Australia won’t field a left-arm seamer. Abhishek has been dismissed six times in 74 balls against left-arm pace in T20s this year. According to SPODA AI data, Abhishek has a 47.83% chance of crossing 30, which is the highest probability of any player.
Mitchell Marsh smashed scores of 85 (43) and 103* (52) in the recent series against New Zealand. In 2025, Marsh has 994 runs at an average of 43.2 and strike rate of 163.8 in all T20s.
Shubman Gill has had an indifferent year in T20Is, but looked to be finding form in Canberra. He has scored 164 runs at an average of 27.33 and strike rate of 157.69 in T20Is in 2025. Is this the day he makes another 30+ score at least? SPODA AI data gives a 32.14% probability.
Suryakumar Yadav, who has had a poor year in T20Is to date, found some form in the first T20I. SKY enjoys batting in Australia, with 278 runs at an average of 69.50 and strike rate of 185.33.
Top all-rounder picks:
Axar Patel has an excellent T20 record against Australia. The all-rounder 15 wickets in nine matches at an average of 13.86 and strike rate of 13.20, making him a solid pick in Dream11.
Key bowler picks:
Jasprit Bumrah against Australia’s lineup promises to make for great viewing. He has the most wickets in AUS-IND T20Is (17) at an average of 23.76 and strike rate of 17.82.
Josh Hazlewood is vital for Australia, especially against Abhishek. He has overall figures of 1/23 off 22 balls in T20s against Shubman Gill. However, he will be looking to improve on his T20I record vs India: 7 inns, 4 wickets, avg. 53.50, econ. 8.91.
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Marcus Stoinis has the second-most T20 runs at the MCG (1,239). He averages 33.49 with a strike rate of 135.26. Also, Stoinis will look to bowl slower deliveries into the surface and force batsmen to hit square, which could bring catching opportunities.
Sanju Samson is always a threat, but he was finding his feet in the middle order during the Asia Cup. He is worth a try in your Dream11 teams if India bat first.
Australia’s all-out approach means there can be an opportunity for Mitch Owen. He played beautifully in the second ODI against India and is striking at 162 in T20Is this year.
Tilak Varma scored the second-most runs for India in the 2025 Asia Cup: 6 inns, 213 runs, avg. 71.00, SR 131.48.
Other Stats and Important Matchups
Head-to-head in T20Is: Matches 33, Australia 11, India 20, N/R 2.
Australia have not won a home T20I series against India since 2008.
Abhishek Sharma has been dismissed by a slower delivery in the powerplay in the past two T20Is. This is a ploy Australia could look to implement again.
Marcus Stoinis has a good matchup against Sanju Samson in T20s: 21 balls, 27 runs, two wickets.
Jasprit Bumrah vs. Travis Head in all T20s: 37 balls, 47 runs, one wicket.
Josh Hazlewood vs. Abhishek Sharma in all T20s: 25 balls, 42 runs, one wicket.
Axar has an excellent record against Marcus Stoinis in all T20s: 40 balls, 23 runs, four wickets.
AUS vs IND 2nd T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
AUS vs IND 2nd T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
AUS vs IND 2nd T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction
AUS vs IND 2nd T20 2025 Match Prediction: Who will win?
The chasing team is likelier to win. However, India have the strength to win batting first. According to SPODA AI, India have a 65% chance of winning if they score 180 batting first.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo and Cricmetric.
A 17-year-old boy has tragically passed away after he was struck on the neck by a cricket ball in Melbourne’s east earlier this week. He has been identified as Ben Austin of Ferntree Gully Cricket Club.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, Austin was facing balls thrown by a wanger ahead of a T20 match between Ferntree Gully and Eildon Park. This device is widely used to deliver balls to batters in practice sessions. The incident occurred on Tuesday at around 4:45pm.
“After it happened three or four players rushed to help and the rest of us gathered around about 40m away pretty much,’’ a witness said, as quoted byCODE Sports.
“Someone ran and grabbed a defib and an ambulance was there within maybe five or six minutes. Then there was fire brigade and police flying in left, right and centre.
“Everyone was just stunned, not really knowing what was happening and how serious it was, because at first it was like someone had been hit in the head. When they called for the defibrillator it was like, s***, this is much more serious. There were players from both teams who knew the boy, so both teams were concerned.’’
Ferntree Gully Cricket Club issues statement: 17 year old dies after struck by cricket ball
Austin was soon placed on life support. However, he tragically passed away yesterday (29th of October).
“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Ben, and the impacts of his death will be felt by all in our cricket community,” wrote Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family – Jace, Tracey, Cooper & Zach, his extended family, his friends and to all of those who knew Ben and the joy that he brought.
“We ask you to please respect the privacy of Ben’s family during this time.”
Austin was an emerging all-rounder who made his debut with the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club in the First XI last season. He was described as a “star cricketer, great leader and an awesome young man who is respected and liked by all your teammates’’.
Austin’s death will also hit the Australian cricketing community hard. Nearly 11 years ago, Phil Hughes was struck on the neck and passed away two days later.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ben’s family, friends and the community in such a difficult time.
Rain had the final say in the opening T20I between Australia and India. Persistent showers led to a no result with India very well placed at 97/1 after 9.4 overs at Manuka Oval.
In what has been an indifferent year in T20Is for Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, both were finding rhythm before the weather took over. Gill finished unbeaten on 37 off 20 balls, while Suryakumar reached 39 off 24 balls.
Attention now turns to the second T20I in Melbourne on Friday, with hopes that the weather will allow for a full match.
Melbourne weather forecast for 2nd AUS vs IND T20I: Rain expected on Friday
Unfortunately, rain could play spoilsport again. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts showers and a possible storm with 1-10mm expected on Friday.
“Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon,” reads the forecast. “The chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and early evening. Light winds.”
Melbourne weather forecast for 2nd AUS vs IND T20I: Bureau of Meteorology.
AccuWeather forecasts 11.9mm of rain will fall during the day. However, the platform predicts the rain will pass by the evening. If this eventuates, it will allow for a full match which would be welcome relief for the sold out crowd at the MCG.
AccuWeather’s hourly forecast backs this up, with intermittent clouds at from 7pm through to midnight. The chance of precipitation in this period hovers around 20%.
Both teams will be hoping the rain stays away as preparations ramp up for next year’s T20 World Cup. India are seeking to build on their incredible form in the last 20 months or so, winning 35 of their past 38 completed T20Is. As mentioned, they also enjoyed a strong start to the opening match of this series.
For Australia, they will take some learnings out of the washed out match in Canberra and look to start strongly in Melbourne, weather permitting.
A T20I bilateral series can often be to test a few new combinations. However, this series has the makings of a cracker. Australia and India have been terrific in this format in recent times, and both teams will be looking to nail their preparation for next year’s World Cup.
Mitch Marsh’s team have won 16 of 18 T20Is since India knocked them out of the 2024 T20 World Cup. This includes series sweeps over West Indies (5-0), Pakistan (3-0), Scotland (3-0) and New Zealand (2-0). Fast scoring in the powerplay has been central to their style, with a batting strike rate of 169.97 compared to 136.52 among all full-member nations.
However, this will be a big test of where Australia are at. India are the premier team in T20I cricket, winning an incredible 35 of 38 matches since the start of 2024. This includes unbeaten T20 World Cup and Asia Cup campaigns. Abhishek Sharma is the number one ranked T20I batsman, and he will be looking to trump the hosts in the powerplay.
There are quite a few moving parts in Australia’s squad. Ben Dwarshuis, Glenn Maxwell, and Mahli Beardman will all be available later in the series. Adam Zampa is out due to paternity leave. Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott are available for first two and three matches respectively.
Also, according to ESPNcricinfo, Matt Short had surgery on the cut he picked up on his finger during the ODI series. He could miss this game, which opens the door for Josh Philippe to play.
Australia: 1. Travis Head, 2. Mitchell Marsh (c), 3. Josh Inglis (wk), 4. Tim David, 5. Josh Philippe, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Mitch Owen, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Matt Kuhnemann, 11. Josh Hazlewood
Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the ODIs. He should line up in Canberra for the series opener. It is likely the visitors will go with one of Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakravarthy in these conditions.
The average first innings score is 155.8 at a run rate of 7.82 in the last 10 men’s T20s on this ground. Batting conditions have improved in the most recent matches, with three consecutive 180+ scores including the Australia-England women’s T20I in January.
Interestingly, spinners have fared quite well, boasting a lower average (21.17) and economy rate (7.33) compared to fast bowlers (23.46 and 8.05) in this period. For more information, check out our dedicated article.
However, a cold night is forecast in Canberra, with temperatures expected to drop below 10 degrees. It should be an uninterrupted match with no rain forecast in the evening.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for AUS vs IND 1st T20: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicket-keeper picks:
Josh Inglis is a good pick (fitness pending) given he will likely bat at three. In all T20s batting at three this year, Inglis has smashed 388 runs at an average of 35.3 and strike rate of 192.1.
Key batter picks:
Abhishek Sharma is having a year to remember. In 25 T20s in 2025, the left-hander has hammered 1,032 runs at an average of 41.3 and incredible strike rate of 202.
Left-arm seam can worry Abhishek (six dismissals in 74 balls this year), but Australia have no left-armer available for this match. The Hazlewood matchup will be key.
Mitchell Marsh is in outstanding form. He smashed scores of 85 (43) and 103* (52) in the recent series against New Zealand. In all T20s this year, Marsh has smashed 994 runs at an average of 43.2 and strike rate of 163.8.
Speaking of outstanding form, there’s Tim David. He has smashed 946 runs in all T20s this year at an average of 41.1 and strike rate of 173.9. When chasing, the average and strike rate increases to 45.5 and 182.2 respectively.
Shubman Gill has had an indifferent year in T20Is, scoring just 127 runs at an average of 21.2 and strike rate of 151.2. However, he has the class to bounce back.
Top all-rounder picks:
Axar Patel can be a good pick in Dream11. The all-rounder has an excellent T20 record against Australia, with 15 wickets in nine matches at an average of 13.86 and strike rate of 13.20.
Key bowler picks:
Jasprit Bumrah against Australia’s all-out attack promises to make for great viewing. Bumrah has the most wickets in AUS-IND T20Is (17) at an average of 23.76 and strike rate of 17.82.
Arshdeep Singh has enjoyed success against both Australian openers. He has dismissed Travis Head twice in 34 balls (51 runs) and Mitch Marsh thrice in 22 balls (39 runs).
Josh Hazlewood is vital for Australia. He has overall figures of 1/17 off 18 balls in T20s against Shubman Gill. However, he will be looking to improve on his T20I record vs India: 6 inns, 4 wickets, avg. 47.50, econ. 9.04.
Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Sanju Samson is always a threat to opponents, but he was finding his feet in the middle order during the Asia Cup. He is worth a try in your Dream11 teams if India bat first.
Suryakumar Yadav has been in poor form in T20Is (100 runs, avg. 11.1, SR 105.3). However, he can fire as he enjoys batting in T20Is in Australia: 6 inns, 239 runs, avg. 59.8, SR 189.7, 3 fifties.
Australia’s all-out approach means there can be an opportunity for Mitch Owen to wind up. He played beautifully in the second ODI against India and is striking at 162 in T20Is this year.
Tilak Varma hit the second-most runs for India in the recent Asia Cup: 6 inns, 213 runs, avg. 71.00, SR 131.48.
Other Stats and Important Matchups
Head-to-head in T20Is: Matches 32, Australia 11, India 20, N/R 1.
Australia have not won a home T20I series against India since 2008.
Suryakumar Yadav has gone 14 T20Is without a fifty.
Arshdeep Singh to Mitch Marsh in the 2025 IPL: Six balls, no runs, two wickets.
Jasprit Bumrah vs. Travis Head in all T20s: 37 balls, 47 runs, one wicket.
Josh Hazlewood vs. Abhishek Sharma in all T20s: 17 balls, 31 runs, one wicket.
Axar has an excellent record against Marcus Stoinis in all T20s: 40 balls, 23 runs, four wickets.
AUS vs IND 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
AUS vs IND 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
AUS vs IND 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction
AUS vs IND 1st T20 2025 Match Prediction: Who will win?
India start as favourites. They can win this game whether they bat first or second. However, in cool conditions on a fresh pitch, the chasing team is likelier to come out on top.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo and Cricmetric
Steve Smith will captain Australia in the first Test of the 2025/26 Ashes series, which begins on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Smith will deputise for Pat Cummins, who is out of at least the first Test as he recovers from a lumbar bone stress injury.
While Cummins’ absence is a blow, the news is not all bad for Australia. Smith is a fine tactician who reads the game well. Also, his batting goes to a whole new level, with his numbers significantly superior when leading the team.
Steve Smith average as Test captain nearly 20 points more than when non-captain
Here is a breakdown of Steve Smith’s Test numbers when captain compared to non-captain.
As captain
As non-captain
40 matches, 69 innings
79 matches, 143 innings
4,139 runs
6,338 runs
Average: 68.98
Average: 49.90
Fifties: 14
Fifties: 29
Hundreds: 17
Hundreds: 19
In January 2025, Steve Smith became the fourth Australian to reach 10,000 Test runs. 4,139 of those have come as captain at an extraordinary average of 68.98. In these 69 innings, he has crossed fifty 31 times, with 17 converted to hundreds.
As non-captain, Smith’s conversion rate is still a fine 39.58%. As captain, this shoots up to 54.83%. He enjoys the responsibility of the captaincy, and he often leads the way with the bat.
Australia will need Smith in the runs against a potent England attack on what are expected to be lively pitches. There is a sense of confidence he still has that in him, considering he bounced back to form with hundreds in consecutive matches in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Smith then struck back-to-back hundreds in Sri Lanka as well, where he was captain.
“He’ll be the captain, and England fear him. That’s the key. He just marmalises England and has done for years,” said Kerry O’Keeffe in a recent interview for CricBlog.
“His record as captain is superior with the bat than it is as a player. There’s lots of pluses, even though the minus is Pat Cummins not being there. The fact that Smith is the likely captain adds more than Cummins’ loss to this team.”
Cummins is aiming to be fit for the second Test in Brisbane. If Australia take a 1-0 series lead in Perth, then they may look to push Cummins’ return date back a little depending on his progress. Smith is crucial to that scenario eventuating.
There are plenty of moving parts in Australia’s T20I squad for the five-match series against India. Players will leave halfway through the series while others will join at various points.
However, despite the ins and outs, Australia will field the core team that has been the driving force behind their good run in T20Is.
Australia T20I squad for India series: Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell and other changes
Here is a look at Australia’s squad, including when certain players will come in and out.
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott (games 1-3), Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (games 4-5), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (games 1-2), Mahli Beardman (games 3-5), Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell (games 3-5), Josh Philippe, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa (unavailable for start of series), Tanveer Sangha (replacing Adam Zampa for start of series).
Josh Hazlewood is available for only the first two T20Is before he gears up for the Ashes. Sean Abbott will leave the squad after the third T20I. Both are reportedly set to play for New South Wales in their round four Sheffield Shield match against Victoria starting November 10.
Also, Adam Zampa is unavailable for the start of the series as his wife is due to give birth to their second child. Fellow legspinner Tanveer Sangha has been drafted to the squad, as confirmed by ESPNcricinfo.
In terms of the inclusions, Glenn Maxwell is set to return from game three onwards, as reported by cricket.com.au. The all-rounder fractured his wrist during the recent T20I tour of New Zealand.
Ben Dwarshuis, who has impressed for Australia this year, will return for game four. The left-arm seamer suffered a calf strain in New Zealand earlier this month. As a result, he missed the ODIs against India and won’t be available for the first three T20Is.
In a surprise, Australia have selected young gun Mahli Beardman for games 3-5. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to the One Day Cup season for Western Australia, and can notch speeds of 140km/h and above.
The five-match T20I series kicks off on Wednesday October 29 at Manuka Oval, Canberra. Both nations are in excellent form in 20-over cricket, with Australia winning 16 of their past 18 completed matches since the 2024 T20 World Cup. India, who won that title in the Caribbean, also recently won the Asia Cup.
After weeks of speculation, Pat Cummins has officially been ruled out of the first Ashes Test which begins on November 21 at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The captain is yet to resume bowling after suffering a lumbar bone stress injury during the West Indies series.
Earlier this month, reports suggested it was “effectively impossible” for Cummins to play the opening Test. It has turned out to be the case with the fast bowler now aiming to feature a little later in the series.
Pat Cummins out of first Ashes Test at Perth, hopes to be ready for Brisbane
Cricket Australia (CA) announced that Cummins is back running. However, he “expects to return to bowling shortly”, which means the turnaround is too tight to be ready for the first Test of the blockbuster series.
Scott Boland will be Cummins’ replacement on the bowling front. Certain England pundits including Michael Atherton have expressed confidence regarding Boland’s inclusion, but the fast bowler’s incredible home record of 49 wickets at 12.63 makes him a threatening proposition for Ben Stokes’ team.
Also, Steve Smith will captain. Smith has led Australia 40 times in Test matches, and it brings out the best in his batting. He has notched up 4,139 runs at an average of 68.98 as skipper.
Smith’s captaincy is something Kerry O’Keeffe is a huge fan of. In an interview with CricBlog, O’Keeffe said his tactical understanding of the game will hold Australia in good stead.
“The fact that Smith is the likely captain adds more than Cummins’ loss to this team,” O’Keeffe said.
“He’s ahead of the game. Pat relied on him. He was the mind I’m sure he went to if he was compromised. Smith’s always ahead of the game. We lose nothing with him as captain. In fact, we may even be better.”
After a hardly-fought ODI series, attention moves to the five-match T20I series between Australia and India. Manuka Oval in Canberra will host the opening encounter, which promises to be an exciting contest between two in-form teams in this format.
The Canberra weather is in the spotlight. Cool weather is forecast this week ahead of Wednesday’s match, which has the potential for pace-friendly conditions.
AUS vs IND 1st T20I: Canberra weather forecast for opening match of series
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a maximum of 16 degrees and a possible shower on Wednesday. However, the chance of rain is low, with a 25% probability of at least 1mm.
Canberra weather forecast for Wednesday October 29: AUS vs IND 1st T20I (BOM)
Conditions will be quite cool under lights with temperatures expected to drop to around eight degrees according to AccuWeather. This platform forecasts for “occasional morning rain and drizzle, then times of clouds and sun in the afternoon with a shower in spots” on Wednesday.
Up to 1.8mm of rain is predicted to fall during the day, but no rain is expected during the match hours.
Canberra weather forecast for Wednesday October 29 day: AUS vs IND 1st T20I (AccuWeather)
Canberra weather forecast for Wednesday October 29 day: AUS vs IND 1st T20I (AccuWeather)
Spinners have fared well in the last 10 T20s at Manuka Oval. They have better numbers compared to pace bowlers. However, this early-season match on a fresh pitch, plus the cold weather, can benefit the fast bowlers.
Australia have won 16 of their past 18 T20Is since losing to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. India themselves have been in terrific form as well in this format, winning the recent Asia Cup in the UAE.
Canberra will play host to the first T20I of the five-match series between Australia and India. The two teams met on this ground in 2020, with India (161/7) beating Australia (150/7) by 11 runs.
Manuka Oval T20 records: Chasing holds a very tight edge
Here is a look at the last 10 results in all men’s T20s on this ground (internationals and BBL). There is a relatively even mix of results, with chasing teams winning six times dating back to December 2021.
Manuka Oval Canberra T20 Results – Last 10 completed matches
December 2024: Sydney Thunder (182/8) beat Melbourne Stars (164/8) by 18 runs.
December 2024: Sydney Thunder (183/8) beat Adelaide Strikers (182/8) by two wickets.
January 2024: Adelaide Strikers (141/1) beat Sydney Thunder (140) by nine wickets.
December 2023: Brisbane Heat (151/7) beat Sydney Thunder (131) by 20 runs.
January 2023: Sydney Thunder (144/2) beat Melbourne Renegades (142/9) by eight wickets.
December 2022: Sydney Thunder (123/9) beat Melbourne Stars (122/8) by one wicket.
October 2022: England (178/7) beat Australia (170/6) by eight runs.
February 2022: Australia (124/4) beat Sri Lanka (121/6) by six wickets.
December 2021: Sydney Thunder (200/7) beat Perth Scorchers (166/8) by 34 runs.
December 2021: Sydney Thunder (141/3) beat Brisbane Heat (140/8) by seven wickets.
Moderate first innings scores
The average first innings score in the last 10 T20s on this ground is 155.8 at a run rate of 7.82. Conditions have improved for batting in recent times, with scores of 180+ in the last two BBL matches. Also, Australia scored 185/5 in a women’s T20I against England in January 2025. They won that game by six runs.
Pace vs. spin records in the last 10 T20s: Spinners fare well on big ground
Spinners have fared better than pace bowlers in recent years. Bigger ground dimensions and a usually-slower pitch aids the spinners. Right-arm legspinners in particular have done well, taking 26 wickets in the last 10 T20s at an average of 20.30 and economy of 7.71.
However, a cold night is forecast in Canberra for the Australia-India T20I. This early-season game can bring about movement for the pace bowlers, especially given there is some rain forecast in the leadup to the match as well.
Pace vs. spin comparison in last 10 T20s at Manuka Oval Canberra:
Pace
Spin
85 wickets
53 wickets
Average: 23.46
Average: 21.17
Economy: 8.05
Economy: 7.33
Four-wicket hauls: 0
Four-wicket hauls: 1
Five-wicket hauls: 0
Five-wicket hauls: 0
All statistics in this article have been checked and verified via ESPNcricinfo and Cricmetric.
