India aim to end Australian tour on a high, seeking batting consistency.
Brisbane
On the verge of another overseas series triumph, India will look to iron out batting inconsistencies and seal the five-match T20I series against Australia when the two sides meet for the fifth and final clash today. With an unassailable 2-1 lead, India have extended their 17-year unbeaten streak in T20I series in Australia.
Focus will be on Shubman Gill and skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s batting, while Australia hopes to counter India’s potent spin attack ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. India displayed improved tactical awareness in the previous match on a tricky Carrara pitch, with Gill contributing 46 in a promising 121 for 2 start before a late collapse.
Vice-captain Gill is eager to convert starts into substantial innings, while Suryakumar aims to lead by example. Tilak Varma and wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma will also seek to find form. Abhishek Sharma, the world’s top-ranked T20 hitter, has provided brisk starts, complemented by contributions from the lower order, including Axar Patel’s quickfire 21 off 11 balls.
India’s bowling has been led by Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, with spinners Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar dominating despite Kuldeep Yadav’s absence. Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar have excelled with both bat and ball.
Australia’s batting has relied heavily on Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David, while the absence of Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood has been felt. Matthew Short, batting lower in the series, will aim to impress at the top, and debutant Mahli Beardman could feature.
Match starts at 1:45 PM IST.
