 It has been a summer of major mismatches as India were humbled, embarrassed
and whitewashed in the four-match test series. Going into the second month of
a dreadful 2012 so far, Team India will be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes
in the first Twenty20 match on Wednesday.
While the Indian players maintain they are disappointed but not embarrassed at
the result, their fans feel the players ought to take more responsibility for
the results and own up. India will be bolstered by the addition of a few players
flying in for the shorter formats as they seek a new beginning to redeem themselves
on the disastrous tour.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs India
Rohit Sharma is likely to get a go ahead after being on the fringes of selection
in the test team. In addition, Ravindra Jadeja and Irfan Pathan's arrival
lends some renewed hope to the side. MS Dhoni will return to lead the team after
serving a one-match ban for slow over-rate while Suresh Raina's presence in
the line-up always gives the opposition something to worry about.
It is a new beginning of sorts for Australia as well who have named
a captain with no international caps. George Bailey will lead the side following
his impressive show in the Big Bash League while regular skipper Cameron White has been axed. If surprises are to be discussed, that is not the only
surprise.
Left-arm spinner Brad Hogg makes a remarkable comeback to the national
side at the age of 40 following his 13 wickets in the Big Bash League, that
too at under six runs per over. Xavier Doherty is also present in the 14-man
squad as the other spin option. Shaun Marsh will look to impose himself
in the free-flowing T20 format after having been left out of the squad for the
triangular series that follows.
The match will be played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, starting at 7.35pm local time.
Following the success of Big Bash League, this international encounter is also
expected to draw a significant crowd.
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