Despite losing the test series by 1-2 in Australia, India the twenty20 world champions start as favorite to win the one of twenty20 to be played at Melbourne Cricket Ground (M.C.G) on 1st of February 2008. However twenty20 hero Yuvraj Singh likely to miss the twenty20 international at M.C.G due to knee injury and is also likely to sit out from first ODI of CB series against Australia. Statistics also favoring Indians for this match, they have played nine t20 matches so far and lost only one match against New Zealand and one match is drawn against Scotland due to rain which was during inaugural t20 international in South Africa. Indians have faced two times against Australia in this format of the game and both times India came out as winner. On the other hand Australia has played 13 matches and only manages to win 6 of their matches so far. First time both team faced each other in twenty20 World Cup semifinals in South Africa where Indians have beaten Australia by 15 runs, secondly they have played to each other in one of twenty20 in Mumbai where Indians able to beat Australia by 7 wickets. Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be looking forward to continue the spirit and fight which is shown by their seniors in the currently ended test series and now it’s time for the youngster to turn the table on. Indians have Robin Uthappa who is another dashing and hard hitting batsman to watch out for, the good times have rolled on, as he's played a couple of exciting and critical knocks in different positions in the batting order in the 50-over format. Com back man Suresh Raina is another player to watch out for due to his superb form throughout the domestic season. Gautam Gambhir and V. Sehwag likely to open the innings for the Indians both are in great form and like to continue their team winning habits against the mighty Australians in this shortest format of the game. Indian may opt to go with four fast bowlers (Praveen Kumar, Sreesanth, Ishant Sharma and Irfan Pathan) and one spinner Harbhajan Singh. However, it would be wise if the team’s think-tank decides for four specialist bowler and go out with seven batters. Beause Sehwag can bowl a bit. On the other hand Australians are really looking to take their revenge of previous two outing against Indians in twenty20 by beating them at M.C.G. Match will start from 14.00 PM (Indian Time which will be Day/Night Encounter at M.C.G) Likely Playing XI for Both teams: Indian Squad: Virendra Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, S. Raina, Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C/WK), Robin Uthappa, Irfan Pathan, Praveen Kumar, S. Sreesanth, Ishant Sharma, Harbhajan Singh Australian Squad: Adam Gilchrist (WK), David Hussey, Ricky Ponting (C), Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, M. Hussey, JR Hopes, Ashley Noffke, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken. India, Sri Lanka and Australia Squad for CB Triangular Series Indian Squad: Sachin Tendulkar, Virendra Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh (VC), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Robin Uthappa, Irfan Pathan, Praveen Kumar, S.Sreesanth, Harbhajan Singh, Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla, Rudra Pratap Singh, Ishant Sharma. Reserve Players: Yusuf Pathan, Manoj Tiwary and Munaf Patel. Australia Squad: Adam Gilchrist (wk), Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting (C), Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin, James Hopes, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Clark, Nathan Bracken. Sri Lanka Squad: M. Jayawardene (C), Kumar Sangakara (wk), Upul Tharanga, Sanath Jayasuriya, Dilruwan Perera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Chaminda Vaas, Chamara Kapugedera, Chanaka Welegedara, Nuwan Kulasekera, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Ishara Amerasinghe, Muttiah Muralitharan |
