IND vs AUS 1st T20I: Australia opt to field; Markande, Handscomb make debut


The first leg of India’s cricketing season at home in 2019 begins on Sunday at Vizag. The men-in-blue are set to lock horns with the Australian guests in the opening T20I of the 2-match series. The visitors have won the toss and captain Aaron Finch has opted to bowl first.


“We will bowl first. It looks like a really nice wicket and I don't think it is going to change much. Hopefully, we can chase down the total. Peter Handscomb will make his debut and he will keep wickets too. It is very exciting for him. We play India all the time these days. Short will open the innings for us,” said Finch during the toss.


Young spinner Mayank Markande, who has been inducted into the side in place of Kuldeep Yadav, received his debut cap minutes before the game. The 21-year-old Punjab cricketer will assist Yuzvendra Chahal and Krunal Pandya in the spin department.


“We would have wanted to bowl first too. It looks like a good pitch to bat on. We are not concerned about batting first. I was switched off and didn't watch much cricket during my off period. I wanted to get away from everything and refresh myself. I am ready to go now. There are people who might be the potential contender for our World Cup squad and we want to give them more game time,” said Kohli.


The hosts have also made some changes in the opening pair for this match. Shikhar Dhawan has been rested for the game and KL Rahul will open the innings with vice-captain Rohit Sharma.


“KL Rahul will get more game time as he has been out for a while, Shikhar Dhawan has been rested. Umesh Yadav comes in place of Bhuuvi. Mayank Markande will play instead of Vijay Shankar,” Kohli confirmed.


Here’re the playing Xis:


INDIA: Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Umesh Yadav, Mayank Markande, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah


AUSTRALIA: Aaron Finch(c), D Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Handscomb(w), Ashton Turner, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Adam Zampa