A rain impacted match in Brisbane saw the Australians take first blood against the Indians with a 4 run win to open the T20 series. The Aussies broke a four game losing streak in the shortest format of the game and will look to build on that momentum and take a series win when the teams travel down to Melbourne in what is expected to be a packed contest at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Wolf takes a look at all the action from the MCG.
| MATCH/TIME (AEST) | CRICKET BEST BETS |
| AUSTRALIA v INDIA
MCG FRI 23 NOV 0650PM |
AUSTRALIA ($2.00) |
FIRST ODI (Wed 21 Nov GABBA)
The major difference between this match and the T20s against Pakistan and South Africa was that the Aussies didn’t suffer a batting collapse. Finch (27), Lynn (37), Maxwell (46) and Stoinis (33) all dug in and contributed with the bat ensuring that Australia made this a contest from their 17 overs at the crease.
Whilst Shikhar Dhawan top scored with a rapidfire 76 the Aussies kept pushing through the top order and anytime Kohli falls for just 4 you simply have to take that opportunity and get a win. It was an even bowling performance from the Australians with 5 wicket takers. Adam Zampa was particularly good, economical at just 5.5 an over and taking the top order wickets of both Kohli and Rahul.
AUSTRALIA
Positive signs for Justin Langer’s side
Australia need confidence. The past year has really shaken them up so even a rain affected win is enough to get them positive and ensure they have their heads high for this important match. As they showed in the first T20 they can be very competitive as long as the top order doesn’t collapse.
There is plenty of upside to the Australian side when you consider that at 3/153 off 16.1 they were forced off the ground when it started raining heavily.
INDIA
Dhawan feasts on the Aussies bowling
The first T20 was a missed opportunity for the Indians who were cruising along thanks to Shikhar Dhawan’s excellent batting performance. Virat Kohli doesn’t often get out so cheaply and with that in mind the Indians will be comfortable that on another night they would’ve won that match. They made some uncharacteristic errors at the Gabba including two dropped catches and a missed run out which should tighten up as they have only arrived in Australia on the weekend.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Wolf thinks that Australia will have a big crowd behind them at the MCG and close out the series with a win.
WEATHER ALERT: Although it’s just 4 weeks before Christmas, Melbourne has decided to head back into winter and this match will be played in just 14 degrees with showers expected. There is a good chance (60-70%) that we could see some rain that impacts the second T20.
BEST BETS: AUSTRALIA ($2.00)