New Delhi: The build-up to the third and final T20 international between India and Australia was marred with the controversy surrounding the Mohammad Azharuddin-led Hyderabad Cricket Association due to the holdup and violence over a crowded wait for match tickets.
However, the on-field occasion itself was a high-scoring humdinger that went down to the penultimate ball as India won by 6 wickets. After clinching the series 2-1, India will look to continue fine-tuning batting orders and bowling combinations as South Africa starts tour for three T20s and three ODI World Cup Super League games next week.
ThePrint looks at some key talking points from the third T20 match.
Two successes out of 3 for SKY
With Daniel Sams and Pat Cummins removing both the Indian openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma early, the middle order needed to fire early in order to keep the required run rate in check. While Virat Kohli scored a steady half-century and batted until the final over, it was Suryakumar Yadav, or SKY, who gave the chase the impetus it needed. With 5 fours and 5 sixes to his name, SKY bludgeoned the ball away to all parts of the ground and particularly targeted Australia’s best bowler of the series in Adam Zampa.
Axar the standout of the series
The only Indian player who proved to be consistently reliable and on top form with the ball across the three games was Ravindra Jadeja’s replacement for the World Cup, Axar Patel. While India will continue to miss Jadeja’s superlative fielding, Axar has been an upgrade in terms of left-arm spin. After being hit for a flurry of fours by Australia’s Cameron Green, Axar responded by removing captain Aaron Finch before threatening to break the back of the Australian middle order by dismissing Josh Inglis and dangerman Matthew Wade with his signature accurate darters.
Third time’s the charm for Tim David
Singapore-born T20 globetrotter Tim David had struggled to make his mark in the opening two matches of his debut series but came to the party in Hyderabad. Having come to the crease with his side reeling at 115 for 5 and later 117 for 6, David combined with all-rounder Daniel Sams to record a partnership of 68 from half as many balls. Although Sams played a solid supporting role and targeted Jasprit Bumrah, David was the one who channelled his Kieron Pollard-esque power hitting game and ensured that Australia could give India a difficult target to chase.
Will Green force a last-minute squad change?
Amid the inconsistent form of Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s best batsman in the top order this series was young all-rounder Cameron Green who, as it stands, won’t take part in next month’s World Cup and had never opened the innings before. But few others could conceivably hit as confidently and as effectively against the likes of Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah as Green did this past week. If the senior batsmen’s failures continue during Australia’s next T20 series against West Indies, head coach Andrew McDonald, captain Finch and the Australian selectors may be forced to consider a last-minute squad change.
Also read: Rohit Sharma, Axar Patel star as India level series against Australia in 8-over affair