Former Indian captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=ms+dhoni">Mahendra Singh Dhoni</a> suffered an injury on his right forearm during the team's net session ahead of the One-Day International series opener against Australia.&nbsp;

The incident happened when Dhoni was taking throwdowns from the team's support staff member Raghavendra.&nbsp;

After having long batting sessions, Dhoni was taking throwdowns but one delivery from Raghavendra kicked up and hit Dhoni on the right forearm.&nbsp;

Whether the injury is serious enough to make him doubtful for the opening ODI couldn't be ascertained. A final call is expected to be taken by the evening.

In case Dhoni is unavailable, then Rishabh Pant is expected to don the big gloves. That is the most likely option in case Dhoni fails to get fit in time.

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Regroup - Prep begins for ODI series here in Hyderabad <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/PP8YNzwtMo">pic.twitter.com/PP8YNzwtMo</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1101350937166340096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Watch: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-chennai-super-kings-skipper-ms-dhoni-responds-to-rishabh-pants-ipl-warning-200241">Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni responds to Rishabh Pant's IPL warning</a>

If the team management is keen on checking all the fringe batting options, then KL Rahul and Ambati Rayudu could both play in the XI with Rahul keeping.&nbsp;

Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni suffered an injury on his right forearm during the team's net session ahead of the One-Day International series opener against Australia.

Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni suffered an injury on his right forearm during the team's net session ahead of the One-Day International series opener against Australia. The incident happened when Dhoni was taking throwdowns from the team's support staff member Raghavendra. After having long batting sessions, Dhoni was taking throwdowns but one delivery from Raghavendra kicked up and hit Dhoni on the right forearm. Whether the injury is serious enough to make him doubtful for the opening ODI couldn't be ascertained. A final call is expected to be taken by the evening. In case Dhoni is unavailable, then Rishabh Pant is expected to don the big gloves. That is the most likely option in case Dhoni fails to get fit in time. Regroup - Prep begins for ODI series here in Hyderabad #TeamIndia #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/PP8YNzwtMo — BCCI (@BCCI) March 1, 2019 × Watch: Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni responds to Rishabh Pant's IPL warning If the team management is keen on checking all the fringe batting options, then KL Rahul and Ambati Rayudu could both play in the XI with Rahul keeping.

India vs Australia, 1st ODI: MS Dhoni sustains injury on forearm during net session

Kohli, Bumrah & Dhoni eye new records in 2nd T20 against Australia

India captain Virat Kohli wasn't perturbed by his team's shoddy batting performance in the first T20 International as he is looking to give more chances to youngsters KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant looking ahead at the World Cup in England.&nbsp;

Rahul made an impressive half-century on his comeback but Pant was needlessly run-out during India's three-wicket defeat against Australia in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-australia-beat-india-by-three-wickets-in-last-ball-thriller-lead-series-1-0-199415">first T20 International</a>.

Chasing a target of 127, Australia were cruising along before Jasprit Bumrah's (3/16 in 4 overs) brilliant 19th over nearly won the game for India.

"We want to give Rahul and Rishab more game-time. Rahul played a really good knock and we had a good partnership. Had we gone on, we could have got 150, which would have been a match-winning score on this pitch. But Australia played better cricket overall and deserved to win," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

However, he didn't forget to praise his bowlers for making a match of a low target like 127.

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Australia win a thriller here at Vizag 
 
Win by 3 wickets in the 1st T20I <a href="https://t.co/qKQdie3Ayg">https://t.co/qKQdie3Ayg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/hMwOZbWjY2">pic.twitter.com/hMwOZbWjY2</a>
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"Very pleased with the bowling effort. Never thought we would be in this situation but Bumrah can do wonders when the ball is reversing. Even Mayank (Markande) bowled brilliantly (17th over), I thought," said Kohli.

Winning captain Aaron Finch also conceded that facing Bumrah in the death overs is not an easy proposition.&nbsp;

"When Bumrah has got overs up his sleeve, it's never easy. But the run-outs didn't help either. Maxwell played a hell of an innings on a difficult pitch," Finch lauded the senior batsman.

Pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was the pick of the Aussie bowlers with figures of three for 26, felt that the ball wasn't coming onto the bat.&nbsp;

"I thought the boys bowled really well and we scraped home. We worked out quickly that the ball was not coming on to the bat. We have been playing a bit of cricket in the BBL. Really good to have a win and hopefully we will have another one and win the series," said Coulter-Nile.

India captain Virat Kohli wasn't perturbed by his team's shoddy batting performance in the first T20 International as he is looking to give more chances to youngsters KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant looking ahead at the World Cup in England.

India captain Virat Kohli wasn't perturbed by his team's shoddy batting performance in the first T20 International as he is looking to give more chances to youngsters KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant looking ahead at the World Cup in England. Rahul made an impressive half-century on his comeback but Pant was needlessly run-out during India's three-wicket defeat against Australia in the first T20 International. Chasing a target of 127, Australia were cruising along before Jasprit Bumrah's (3/16 in 4 overs) brilliant 19th over nearly won the game for India. "We want to give Rahul and Rishab more game-time. Rahul played a really good knock and we had a good partnership. Had we gone on, we could have got 150, which would have been a match-winning score on this pitch. But Australia played better cricket overall and deserved to win," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony. However, he didn't forget to praise his bowlers for making a match of a low target like 127. Australia win a thriller here at Vizag Win by 3 wickets in the 1st T20I https://t.co/qKQdie3Ayg #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/hMwOZbWjY2 — BCCI (@BCCI) 24 February 2019 × "Very pleased with the bowling effort. Never thought we would be in this situation but Bumrah can do wonders when the ball is reversing. Even Mayank (Markande) bowled brilliantly (17th over), I thought," said Kohli. Winning captain Aaron Finch also conceded that facing Bumrah in the death overs is not an easy proposition. "When Bumrah has got overs up his sleeve, it's never easy. But the run-outs didn't help either. Maxwell played a hell of an innings on a difficult pitch," Finch lauded the senior batsman. Pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was the pick of the Aussie bowlers with figures of three for 26, felt that the ball wasn't coming onto the bat. "I thought the boys bowled really well and we scraped home. We worked out quickly that the ball was not coming on to the bat. We have been playing a bit of cricket in the BBL. Really good to have a win and hopefully we will have another one and win the series," said Coulter-Nile.

We want to give KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant game time: Virat Kohli

Mahendra Singh Dhoni once again drew flak for his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-australia-beat-india-by-three-wickets-in-last-ball-thriller-lead-series-1-0-199415">slow strike-rate against Australia</a> in the first T20 International but <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/glenn-maxwell-unaware-of-place-in-world-cup-pecking-order-199614">Glenn Maxwell</a> feels that on a low and slow track, that was all the former India captain could have done.&nbsp;

Dhoni managed 29 off 37 balls in India's below-par 126 for 7 on a track where the ball was not coming onto the bat. To be fair to Dhoni, a clutch of wickets fell and he also had to stem the rot with Yuzvendra Chahal at the other end.&nbsp;

"It (the slow strike rate) was probably fair enough. With the way the wicket was behaving, it was difficult to score for any batter, let alone a guy who is not known for his power-hitting in Chahal," Maxwell said in Dhoni's defence as his analogy of Chahal's pyrotechnics invited a few chuckles.&nbsp;

It was such a track where deliveries were keeping low and Dhoni could manage only one six.

"MS is obviously a world-class finisher and even he was finding it hard to hit the middle of the bat. So, I think it was right of him to try and farm the strike. He hit a six in the last over and I think that showed how difficult it was," Maxwell said.

He lauded his bowlers for keeping Dhoni under tight leash.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/some-days-execution-in-death-bowling-doesnt-come-off-jasprit-bumrah-199599">Some days execution in death bowling doesn't come off, says Jasprit Bumrah</a>

"If you are holding MS to one boundary in the last few overs, it's a pretty good effort and also a sign of the conditions as well."

They had targeted leg-spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and debutant Mayank Markande and Maxwell said Bumrah and Krunal Pandya werre toughest to face in such conditions.

"Bumrah and Krunal Pandya were the toughest guys to face on that wicket because they are capable of extracting a low sort of bounce and didn't give you much width to work," he said.

He also hailed man of the match Nathan Coulter-Nile who returned with 3/26 and also took two catches including that of skipper Virat Kohli (24).

"He (Coulter-Nile) was brilliant. It was probably a wicket that suited him, it was keeping low and he was bowling straight making it really hard to create angles," Maxwell said.&nbsp;

Mahendra Singh Dhoni once again drew flak for his slow strike-rate against Australia in the first T20 International but Glenn Maxwell feels that on a low and slow track, that was all the former India captain could have done.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni once again drew flak for his slow strike-rate against Australia in the first T20 International but Glenn Maxwell feels that on a low and slow track, that was all the former India captain could have done. Dhoni managed 29 off 37 balls in India's below-par 126 for 7 on a track where the ball was not coming onto the bat. To be fair to Dhoni, a clutch of wickets fell and he also had to stem the rot with Yuzvendra Chahal at the other end. "It (the slow strike rate) was probably fair enough. With the way the wicket was behaving, it was difficult to score for any batter, let alone a guy who is not known for his power-hitting in Chahal," Maxwell said in Dhoni's defence as his analogy of Chahal's pyrotechnics invited a few chuckles. It was such a track where deliveries were keeping low and Dhoni could manage only one six. "MS is obviously a world-class finisher and even he was finding it hard to hit the middle of the bat. So, I think it was right of him to try and farm the strike. He hit a six in the last over and I think that showed how difficult it was," Maxwell said. He lauded his bowlers for keeping Dhoni under tight leash. Also Read: Some days execution in death bowling doesn't come off, says Jasprit Bumrah "If you are holding MS to one boundary in the last few overs, it's a pretty good effort and also a sign of the conditions as well." They had targeted leg-spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and debutant Mayank Markande and Maxwell said Bumrah and Krunal Pandya werre toughest to face in such conditions. "Bumrah and Krunal Pandya were the toughest guys to face on that wicket because they are capable of extracting a low sort of bounce and didn't give you much width to work," he said. He also hailed man of the match Nathan Coulter-Nile who returned with 3/26 and also took two catches including that of skipper Virat Kohli (24). "He (Coulter-Nile) was brilliant. It was probably a wicket that suited him, it was keeping low and he was bowling straight making it really hard to create angles," Maxwell said.

It was difficult track even for a player like Dhoni: Glenn Maxwell defends Dhoni

Glenn Maxwell issued a timely reminder of his worth with a decisive half-century in Australia's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20i-australia-beat-india-by-three-wickets-in-last-ball-thriller-lead-series-1-0-199415">first Twenty20 against India</a> but believes he has more work to do to secure a ticket to the 50-over World Cup.

On a difficult pitch in Visakhapatnam, Maxwell came to the crease with Australia vulnerable at five for two in their chase of India's 126 and his 43-ball 56 anchored an 84-run third wicket stand that steadied Australia.

But being Maxwell, Australia's infuriating genius, there was a less laudable sub-plot at play as he threw away his wicket by heaving at a wide legbreak from Yuzvendra Chahal that went to the long-off fielder.

The dismissal triggered a collapse as Australia lost four wickets for 24 runs and had to rely on the cool heads of tailenders Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson to smash 14 runs in the final over and squeeze the three-wicket win.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/some-days-execution-in-death-bowling-doesnt-come-off-jasprit-bumrah-199599">Some days execution in death bowling doesn't come off, says Jasprit Bumrah</a>

Instead of soaking up a key role in what should have been an easy victory, Maxwell was left sweating to the final ball.

"We probably should have lost and if it wasn't for Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson pulling something out of the hat," the relieved 30-year-old said.

The glass-half-full brigade will focus on Maxwell's studious innings that pulled Australia out of the fire, but the half-empty types will carp that he should have gone on with it and remains too risky a player to rely on at the World Cup in England and Wales.

Maxwell, himself, remains unaware of his standing in Aaron Finch's one-day squad, for all his past heroics in Australia's 2015 World Cup triumph on home soil, when he was the team's third-highest run scorer behind Steve Smith and David Warner.

"I have no idea if I'm going to be in that World Cup squad or what number I'm going to bat, so I suppose it just comes down to opportunity - if I can keep making most of the opportunities like tonight," he said.

"It would have been nice to finish it off, but I chose that Chahal (over) as my time to go tonight and I still back that as the right decision," added Maxwell.

Australia meet India in the second T20 in Bengaluru on Wednesday before starting a five-match ODI series in Hyderabad on Saturday (February 24).

Glenn Maxwell issued a timely reminder of his worth with a decisive half-century in Australia's first Twenty20 against India but believes he has more work to do to secure a ticket to the 50-over World Cup.

Glenn Maxwell issued a timely reminder of his worth with a decisive half-century in Australia's first Twenty20 against India but believes he has more work to do to secure a ticket to the 50-over World Cup. On a difficult pitch in Visakhapatnam, Maxwell came to the crease with Australia vulnerable at five for two in their chase of India's 126 and his 43-ball 56 anchored an 84-run third wicket stand that steadied Australia. But being Maxwell, Australia's infuriating genius, there was a less laudable sub-plot at play as he threw away his wicket by heaving at a wide legbreak from Yuzvendra Chahal that went to the long-off fielder. The dismissal triggered a collapse as Australia lost four wickets for 24 runs and had to rely on the cool heads of tailenders Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson to smash 14 runs in the final over and squeeze the three-wicket win. Also Read: Some days execution in death bowling doesn't come off, says Jasprit Bumrah Instead of soaking up a key role in what should have been an easy victory, Maxwell was left sweating to the final ball. "We probably should have lost and if it wasn't for Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson pulling something out of the hat," the relieved 30-year-old said. The glass-half-full brigade will focus on Maxwell's studious innings that pulled Australia out of the fire, but the half-empty types will carp that he should have gone on with it and remains too risky a player to rely on at the World Cup in England and Wales. Maxwell, himself, remains unaware of his standing in Aaron Finch's one-day squad, for all his past heroics in Australia's 2015 World Cup triumph on home soil, when he was the team's third-highest run scorer behind Steve Smith and David Warner. "I have no idea if I'm going to be in that World Cup squad or what number I'm going to bat, so I suppose it just comes down to opportunity - if I can keep making most of the opportunities like tonight," he said. "It would have been nice to finish it off, but I chose that Chahal (over) as my time to go tonight and I still back that as the right decision," added Maxwell. Australia meet India in the second T20 in Bengaluru on Wednesday before starting a five-match ODI series in Hyderabad on Saturday (February 24).

Glenn Maxwell unaware of place in World Cup pecking order

The Indian team will be aiming to lock in the last couple of available slots in their England-bound World Cup squad when they square off with familiar foes Australia in a limited overs series starting with the first T20 here Sunday.&nbsp;

The seven-match series comprising two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against a struggling Australian side will be India's last international assignment before the mega event starting May 30 in England and Wales.

With all but two places sealed, Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri will also treat these two T20 games as an extended audition for the World Cup hopefuls, who are still on the waiting list.

Skipper Kohli is back after a well-deserved three-week break and will be keeping a keen eye on the likes of Rishabh Pant and Vijay Shankar, two players who are strongly tipped to make the elite list.

Having edged out Dinesh Karthik in the ODI side in the race to the World Cup, Pant will get a few more chances to make a strong case for himself.

For Vijay Shankar, it will be a great opportunity to make his case even stronger in the absence of Hardik Pandya, who is out with his recurring lower back injury.

Shankar has shown that he could be explosive with the bat and the question will be how effective he can be with the ball.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2019-schedule-squad-time-and-venue-197778">India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

No one more than Dinesh Karthik will be more keen to make a statement as these two games will effectively be his last chance as he has already been dropped from the ODIs against Australia.

The Tamil Nadu veteran drew a lot of flak after he refused a single when Krunal Pandya was on a rampage at the other end in the series deciding T20 game against New Zealand which India lost by 4 runs.

With the return of India's no 1 pacer Jasprit Bumrah, the bowling department that distinctly lacked sting against New Zealand, will be bolstered.

Bumrah is two shy of his personal tally of 50 wickets in T20I cricket, an achievement only in possession of the discarded Ravichandran Ashwin.

While rookie leg-break bowler Mayank Markande is in the squad, India in all likelihood will go with the tested pair of Yuzvendra Chahal and Krunal Pandya, who have done reasonably well for the home team in recent times.&nbsp;

However, the shortest format is exactly not the one where India have been very consistent. A recent 1-2 series defeat against New Zealand is a testimony.&nbsp;

India may be ahead 11-6 on head-to-head in T20s but they have drawn 1-1 their last two series against Australia -- at home (2017) and away (2018) -- with rain playing spoilsport.

It was way back in 2016 when India under MS Dhoni last won against Australia, a 3-0 clean sweep Down Under as this time Kohli's men will look to settle the scores with a 2-0.&nbsp;

But more than that the series will be a dress rehearsal for the World Cup as Kohli would look like to make a final assessment before heading to World Cup in May.

Kohli will look to straightway be back among the runs after a sterling 2018 where he ended the year with an astounding 2735 runs from 38 matches across formats.

He scored 1202 runs in ODIs at a jaw-dropping average of 133.55 in 14 innings and the fact that he converted his scores into six hundreds and three fifties speaks volumes of his batsmanship.&nbsp;

Kohli averages 61 from 13 T20I innings against Australia with five half-centuries in those games.

The Aaron Finch-led side may not have played T20Is since their last series against India three months back, but they are fresh from their extended Big Bash League with six players including the skipper featuring in the all-Melbourne final on February 17.

Player of the Tournament D'Arcy Short played 15 BBL games this season for Hobart Hurricanes scoring 637 runs at 53.08 average (140.61 strike rate).&nbsp;

He was followed by competition leading wicket-taker Kane Richardson who topped the bowling aggregate with 24 at 17.70 (economy rate 7.75).&nbsp;

The dynamic left-handed opener Short will look to correct his stats on the turning pitches and relaunch his career giving them a good start.&nbsp;

The Indian team will be aiming to lock in the last couple of available slots in their England-bound World Cup squad when they square off with familiar foes Australia in a limited overs series starting with the first T20 here Sunday.

The Indian team will be aiming to lock in the last couple of available slots in their England-bound World Cup squad when they square off with familiar foes Australia in a limited overs series starting with the first T20 here Sunday. The seven-match series comprising two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against a struggling Australian side will be India's last international assignment before the mega event starting May 30 in England and Wales. With all but two places sealed, Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri will also treat these two T20 games as an extended audition for the World Cup hopefuls, who are still on the waiting list. Skipper Kohli is back after a well-deserved three-week break and will be keeping a keen eye on the likes of Rishabh Pant and Vijay Shankar, two players who are strongly tipped to make the elite list. Having edged out Dinesh Karthik in the ODI side in the race to the World Cup, Pant will get a few more chances to make a strong case for himself. For Vijay Shankar, it will be a great opportunity to make his case even stronger in the absence of Hardik Pandya, who is out with his recurring lower back injury. Shankar has shown that he could be explosive with the bat and the question will be how effective he can be with the ball. Also Read: India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue No one more than Dinesh Karthik will be more keen to make a statement as these two games will effectively be his last chance as he has already been dropped from the ODIs against Australia. The Tamil Nadu veteran drew a lot of flak after he refused a single when Krunal Pandya was on a rampage at the other end in the series deciding T20 game against New Zealand which India lost by 4 runs. With the return of India's no 1 pacer Jasprit Bumrah, the bowling department that distinctly lacked sting against New Zealand, will be bolstered. Bumrah is two shy of his personal tally of 50 wickets in T20I cricket, an achievement only in possession of the discarded Ravichandran Ashwin. While rookie leg-break bowler Mayank Markande is in the squad, India in all likelihood will go with the tested pair of Yuzvendra Chahal and Krunal Pandya, who have done reasonably well for the home team in recent times. However, the shortest format is exactly not the one where India have been very consistent. A recent 1-2 series defeat against New Zealand is a testimony. India may be ahead 11-6 on head-to-head in T20s but they have drawn 1-1 their last two series against Australia -- at home (2017) and away (2018) -- with rain playing spoilsport. It was way back in 2016 when India under MS Dhoni last won against Australia, a 3-0 clean sweep Down Under as this time Kohli's men will look to settle the scores with a 2-0. But more than that the series will be a dress rehearsal for the World Cup as Kohli would look like to make a final assessment before heading to World Cup in May. Kohli will look to straightway be back among the runs after a sterling 2018 where he ended the year with an astounding 2735 runs from 38 matches across formats. He scored 1202 runs in ODIs at a jaw-dropping average of 133.55 in 14 innings and the fact that he converted his scores into six hundreds and three fifties speaks volumes of his batsmanship. Kohli averages 61 from 13 T20I innings against Australia with five half-centuries in those games. The Aaron Finch-led side may not have played T20Is since their last series against India three months back, but they are fresh from their extended Big Bash League with six players including the skipper featuring in the all-Melbourne final on February 17. Player of the Tournament D'Arcy Short played 15 BBL games this season for Hobart Hurricanes scoring 637 runs at 53.08 average (140.61 strike rate). He was followed by competition leading wicket-taker Kane Richardson who topped the bowling aggregate with 24 at 17.70 (economy rate 7.75). The dynamic left-handed opener Short will look to correct his stats on the turning pitches and relaunch his career giving them a good start.

INDvsAUS, 1st T20I: Keeping World Cup in mind, India & Australia set to lock horns

Australia defeated India by three wickets to clinch the first T20 international in a&nbsp;last ball-thriller on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Men in blue were on the verge of winning the game but Umesh Yadav's pale bowling in the last overturned the tables against India.

With just three wickets left, Australia hit 14 runs in the final over to register a dramatic win. Despite losing two early wickets, Glenn Maxwell's firework kept Australia on track as the visitors chased India's 127 runs target. 
&nbsp; 
Maxwell along with D Arcy Short established a partnership of over 60 runs to help their side recover from the early losses. Australia lost two wickets - Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Finch - for just five runs.

Put into bat, India were restricted to a paltry total with opener KL Rahul top-scoring for the side and reached his brilliant half-century to put up a decent total. However, he was dismissed Nathan Coulter-Nile for 50.

His 36-ball inning includes six boundaries and one six.

Wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni failed to score any big runs despite playing 37 balls. He remained not out for 29 which includes just one six.

For the hosts, it was skipper Virat Kohli and KL Rahul fifty-run partnership that lifted India from the early loss of Rohit Sharma, who was dismissed for five runs. &nbsp;

Things were going strong when Kohli was sent back to the pavilion by Adam Zampa for 24 runs which included three sixes.&nbsp;The two played some phenomenal shots to help the team recover.

In bowling, Jasprit Bumrah registered the best figures for India. he clinched three wickets in his four overs and gave just 16 runs. Yuzvendra Chahal and Krunal Pandya took on wicket apiece.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, for Australia,&nbsp;Nathan Coulter-Nile took three wickets and&nbsp;Jason Behrendorff, Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins clinched one wicket each.&nbsp;

By virtue of this win, Australia leads the two-game T20series 1-0. the two teams will next play each other on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Australia defeated India by three wickets to clinch the first T20 international in a last ball-thriller on Sunday. The Men in blue were on the verge of winning the game but Umesh Yadav's pale bowling in the last overturned the tables against India.

Australia defeated India by three wickets to clinch the first T20 international in a last ball-thriller on Sunday. The Men in blue were on the verge of winning the game but Umesh Yadav's pale bowling in the last overturned the tables against India. With just three wickets left, Australia hit 14 runs in the final over to register a dramatic win. Despite losing two early wickets, Glenn Maxwell's firework kept Australia on track as the visitors chased India's 127 runs target. Maxwell along with D Arcy Short established a partnership of over 60 runs to help their side recover from the early losses. Australia lost two wickets - Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Finch - for just five runs. Put into bat, India were restricted to a paltry total with opener KL Rahul top-scoring for the side and reached his brilliant half-century to put up a decent total. However, he was dismissed Nathan Coulter-Nile for 50. His 36-ball inning includes six boundaries and one six. Wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni failed to score any big runs despite playing 37 balls. He remained not out for 29 which includes just one six. For the hosts, it was skipper Virat Kohli and KL Rahul fifty-run partnership that lifted India from the early loss of Rohit Sharma, who was dismissed for five runs. Things were going strong when Kohli was sent back to the pavilion by Adam Zampa for 24 runs which included three sixes. The two played some phenomenal shots to help the team recover. In bowling, Jasprit Bumrah registered the best figures for India. he clinched three wickets in his four overs and gave just 16 runs. Yuzvendra Chahal and Krunal Pandya took on wicket apiece. Meanwhile, for Australia, Nathan Coulter-Nile took three wickets and Jason Behrendorff, Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins clinched one wicket each. By virtue of this win, Australia leads the two-game T20series 1-0. the two teams will next play each other on Wednesday.

1st T20I: Australia beat India by three wickets in last-ball thriller, lead series 1-0

Australia defeated India by three wickets to win the first T20I international on Sunday.&nbsp;Glenn Maxwell's firework Sunday kept Australia on track as the visitors look to chase India's 127 runs target. 
&nbsp; 
Maxwell along with D Arcy Short established a partnership of over 60 runs to help his side recover from the early losses. However, Maxwell was dismissed for 56 runs. Australia lost early two wickets - Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Finch - for just five runs.

Earlier, India were restricted to a mere 126 runs with opener KL Rahul top-scored for the side and reached his brilliant half-century to put up a decent total. However, he was dismissed Nathan Coulter-Nile for 50.

His 36-ball inning includes six boundaries and one six.

Meanwhile, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni failed to score any big runs despite playing 37 balls. he remained not out for 29 which includes just one six.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Kl Rahul established a fifty-run partnership to lift India from the early loss of Rohit Sharm, who was dismissed for five runs. &nbsp;

Things were going strong for India when Kohli was sent back to the pavilion by Adam Zampa for 24 runs which included three sixes.&nbsp;

The two played some phenomenal shots to help the team recover.

Rohit, who opened with KL Rahul, was dismissed by Jason Behrendorff while trying to hit a cheeky paddle over short fine. Earlier, Australian skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to bowl.&nbsp;

Australia defeated India by three wickets to win the first T20I international on Sunday. Glenn Maxwell's firework Sunday kept Australia on track as the visitors look to chase India's 127 runs target.

Australia defeated India by three wickets to win the first T20I international on Sunday. Glenn Maxwell's firework Sunday kept Australia on track as the visitors look to chase India's 127 runs target. Maxwell along with D Arcy Short established a partnership of over 60 runs to help his side recover from the early losses. However, Maxwell was dismissed for 56 runs. Australia lost early two wickets - Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Finch - for just five runs. Earlier, India were restricted to a mere 126 runs with opener KL Rahul top-scored for the side and reached his brilliant half-century to put up a decent total. However, he was dismissed Nathan Coulter-Nile for 50. His 36-ball inning includes six boundaries and one six. Meanwhile, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni failed to score any big runs despite playing 37 balls. he remained not out for 29 which includes just one six. Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Kl Rahul established a fifty-run partnership to lift India from the early loss of Rohit Sharm, who was dismissed for five runs. Things were going strong for India when Kohli was sent back to the pavilion by Adam Zampa for 24 runs which included three sixes. The two played some phenomenal shots to help the team recover. Rohit, who opened with KL Rahul, was dismissed by Jason Behrendorff while trying to hit a cheeky paddle over short fine. Earlier, Australian skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to bowl.

1st T20I: Australia beat India by three wickets

Former&nbsp;cricketer Matthew Hayden dropped in and had a long chat with&nbsp;Australian players during their net session ahead of T20I series against India at the ACA-VDCA Stadium.&nbsp;

The former opener was invited by current Australian coach Justin Langer.&nbsp;

India and Australia will play seven-match series comprising two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals before World Cup, which will kick off from May 30 in England and Wales.&nbsp;

Hayden, who is considered as one of the finest players of spin bowling,&nbsp;shared his knowledge to help Australians tackle Indian bowlers during the limited-over series starts with the first Twenty20 in Visakhapatnam on February 24. &nbsp;

Hayden helped Australian batsmen to understand bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.&nbsp;

While Kuldeep has been rested for the two-match T20 series but Australia will be facing Chahal and left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2019-schedule-squad-time-and-venue-197778">India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

Hayden was seen demonstrating shot selection to the players as he accompanied the side during their full practice session.&nbsp;

"It was great obviously to have JL's (Justin Langer) great mate and a legend of the game come back and someone who's had so much success here in India as a batsman to to get around to this field the boys and have a good chat was great," Finch said at the news conference.&nbsp;

Apart from batting techniques, Hayden also gave tips on slip catching.&nbsp;

"He was a great slip catcher, so anything that the guys can learn, he was chatting about batting especially at the top of the order stuff,"&nbsp;Finch added.&nbsp;

Australia have also roped in the Kerala's left-arm chinaman spinner KK Jiyas and Mumbai legspinner Pardeep Sahu in their support staff to help them out with the tricks of playing against the wrist spin.&nbsp;

Earlier during India's tour Down Under last year, the Aussies were seen with sessions under Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and then Shane Warner in the first three Tests.&nbsp;

Former cricketer Matthew Hayden dropped in and had a long chat with Australian players during their net session ahead of T20I series against India at the ACA-VDCA Stadium.

Former cricketer Matthew Hayden dropped in and had a long chat with Australian players during their net session ahead of T20I series against India at the ACA-VDCA Stadium. The former opener was invited by current Australian coach Justin Langer. India and Australia will play seven-match series comprising two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals before World Cup, which will kick off from May 30 in England and Wales. Hayden, who is considered as one of the finest players of spin bowling, shared his knowledge to help Australians tackle Indian bowlers during the limited-over series starts with the first Twenty20 in Visakhapatnam on February 24. Hayden helped Australian batsmen to understand bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. While Kuldeep has been rested for the two-match T20 series but Australia will be facing Chahal and left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya. Also Read: India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue Hayden was seen demonstrating shot selection to the players as he accompanied the side during their full practice session. "It was great obviously to have JL's (Justin Langer) great mate and a legend of the game come back and someone who's had so much success here in India as a batsman to to get around to this field the boys and have a good chat was great," Finch said at the news conference. Apart from batting techniques, Hayden also gave tips on slip catching. "He was a great slip catcher, so anything that the guys can learn, he was chatting about batting especially at the top of the order stuff," Finch added. Australia have also roped in the Kerala's left-arm chinaman spinner KK Jiyas and Mumbai legspinner Pardeep Sahu in their support staff to help them out with the tricks of playing against the wrist spin. Earlier during India's tour Down Under last year, the Aussies were seen with sessions under Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and then Shane Warner in the first three Tests.

India vs Australia: Matthew Hayden drops in at Oz nets to help players tackle Indian bowlers

India were restricted to a mere 126 runs by the Australian bowlers in the first T20International on Sunday.

Opener KL Rahul top-scored for the side and reached his brilliant half-century to put up a decent total. However, he was dismissed Nathan Coulter-Nile for 50.&nbsp;

His 36-ball inning includes six boundaries and one six.

Meanwhile, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni failed to score any big runs despite playing 37 balls. he remained not out for 29 which includes just one six.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Kl Rahul established a fifty-run partnership to lift India from the early loss of Rohit Sharm, who was dismissed for five runs. &nbsp;

Things were going strong for India when Kohli was sent back to the pavilion by Adam Zampa for 24 runs which included three sixes.&nbsp;

The two played some phenomenal shots to help the team recover.

Rohit, who opened with KL Rahul, was dismissed by Jason Behrendorff while trying to hit a cheeky paddle over short fine. Earlier, Australian skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to bowl.&nbsp;

Speaking after the toss, Finch said, " &nbsp;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."

India, which recently ended a successful tour Down Under, will aim to demolish the team once again on home soil.

Talking about their strategy for today, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, " 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."&nbsp;

"I wanted to get away from everything and refresh myself. I am ready to go now. There are people who might be potential contenders for our World Cup squad and we want to give them more game time."

"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 Bhuvi. Mayank Markande will play instead of Vijay Shankar."

The seven-match series comprising two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against a struggling Australian side will be India's last international assignment before the mega event starting May 30 in England and Wales.

Teams: 
Australia (Playing XI):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

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Umesh Yadav, Mayank Markande, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

India were restricted to a mere 126 runs by the Australian bowlers in the first T20International on Sunday. Opener KL Rahul top-scored for the side and reached his brilliant half-century to put up a decent total.

India were restricted to a mere 126 runs by the Australian bowlers in the first T20International on Sunday. Opener KL Rahul top-scored for the side and reached his brilliant half-century to put up a decent total. However, he was dismissed Nathan Coulter-Nile for 50. His 36-ball inning includes six boundaries and one six. Meanwhile, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni failed to score any big runs despite playing 37 balls. he remained not out for 29 which includes just one six. Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Kl Rahul established a fifty-run partnership to lift India from the early loss of Rohit Sharm, who was dismissed for five runs. Things were going strong for India when Kohli was sent back to the pavilion by Adam Zampa for 24 runs which included three sixes. The two played some phenomenal shots to help the team recover. Rohit, who opened with KL Rahul, was dismissed by Jason Behrendorff while trying to hit a cheeky paddle over short fine. Earlier, Australian skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to bowl. Speaking after the toss, Finch said, " 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." India, which recently ended a successful tour Down Under, will aim to demolish the team once again on home soil. Talking about their strategy for today, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, " 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 potential contenders for our World Cup squad and we want to give them more game time." "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 Bhuvi. Mayank Markande will play instead of Vijay Shankar." The seven-match series comprising two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against a struggling Australian side will be India's last international assignment before the mega event starting May 30 in England and Wales. Teams: Australia (Playing XI):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 India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Umesh Yadav, Mayank Markande, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

1st T20I: India restricted to 126/7 after 20 overs

Australian captain Aaron Finch on Saturday said the limited overs series against India would give the youngsters a perfect opportunity to stake a claim for two World Cup spots with the suspended duo of Steve Smith and David Warner racing against time to recover from injuries.&nbsp;

The duo suffered similar elbow injuries while playing in the Bangladesh Premier League last month. Both had to undergo surgeries and it's not clear whether they would be fit in time for the World Cup beginning May 30.&nbsp;

"Definitely it's a great opportunity for the guys to come in and really challenge for that spot. David (Warner) obviously had some elbow surgery recently so that'll be in the back of the mind as well," Finch said on the eve of the opening T20 against India here.&nbsp;

"But if things don't go 100 per cent right with their rehab or some complications with it and they're not back in time, it's a huge, huge opportunity for guys to step up and almost cement their place going forward."&nbsp;

The Aussies are fresh from playing in the Big Bash League where top-order batsman D'Arcy Short bagged the player of the tournament award and became the first player to score 600-plus runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2019-schedule-squad-time-and-venue-197778">India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

"With the two T20 matches (against India), it's a chance for the guys to continue on their Big Bash form and test themselves against the best in the world in their own conditions."&nbsp;

Five ODIs against India will follow the two-match T20 series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We still got 10 Internationals plus five other practice warm-up games before that first World Cup game so there's still a fair bit of cricket to go and as long as we keep tracking in the right direction and give India a really good fight and win the series that will be what is all about."&nbsp;

The recent T20 form of vice-captain Alex Carey and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis also augurs well for the Australian team.&nbsp;

"There are also things you can juggle around in one day cricket a bit for a little bit. So whatever we feel is a combination at the time I don't think anything is out of question."&nbsp;

Asked about their opening combination, he said: "Again in the ODI side Short is there. He's been exceptional and he's open the batting. He's obviously prolific in the middle order. Usman, myself, Alex. So there's still a few options."&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a miserable run of form this year, Australia are determined the players' key focus is on defending their one-day title ahead of the gruelling Ashes.&nbsp;

To manage the workload, the Australian top players won't be available for the last few weeks of the lucrative Indian Premier League that will run from March 23-May 13.&nbsp;

"I know there will be guys who will be here for the first half of the IPL and then be home by the start of May. So IPL will be really a crucial period for guys to be able to take that time off and get away from cricket and mentally recharge."&nbsp;

Finch also spoke highly of Stoinis who excelled for BBL runners-up Melbourne Stars scoring 533 runs at 53.30 and claiming 14 wickets to cap off a season where he was named the Australian male ODI player of the year.&nbsp;

"Yeah absolutely he's someone who can bowl 10 overs, bowl four overs in T20 cricket. He can be at the top of the order he can be really successful in the middle order as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"To have someone who's as flexible as that is a great asset in your team because then you can build a team around them and that can fill any hole that you need. If there's a weakness somewhere he's generally the best person to fix it and you can shuffle it around them," he added.

Australian captain Aaron Finch on Saturday said the limited overs series against India would give the youngsters a perfect opportunity to stake a claim for two World Cup spots with the suspended duo of Steve Smith and David Warner racing against time to recover from injuries.

Australian captain Aaron Finch on Saturday said the limited overs series against India would give the youngsters a perfect opportunity to stake a claim for two World Cup spots with the suspended duo of Steve Smith and David Warner racing against time to recover from injuries. The duo suffered similar elbow injuries while playing in the Bangladesh Premier League last month. Both had to undergo surgeries and it's not clear whether they would be fit in time for the World Cup beginning May 30. "Definitely it's a great opportunity for the guys to come in and really challenge for that spot. David (Warner) obviously had some elbow surgery recently so that'll be in the back of the mind as well," Finch said on the eve of the opening T20 against India here. "But if things don't go 100 per cent right with their rehab or some complications with it and they're not back in time, it's a huge, huge opportunity for guys to step up and almost cement their place going forward." The Aussies are fresh from playing in the Big Bash League where top-order batsman D'Arcy Short bagged the player of the tournament award and became the first player to score 600-plus runs. Also Read: India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue "With the two T20 matches (against India), it's a chance for the guys to continue on their Big Bash form and test themselves against the best in the world in their own conditions." Five ODIs against India will follow the two-match T20 series. "We still got 10 Internationals plus five other practice warm-up games before that first World Cup game so there's still a fair bit of cricket to go and as long as we keep tracking in the right direction and give India a really good fight and win the series that will be what is all about." The recent T20 form of vice-captain Alex Carey and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis also augurs well for the Australian team. "There are also things you can juggle around in one day cricket a bit for a little bit. So whatever we feel is a combination at the time I don't think anything is out of question." Asked about their opening combination, he said: "Again in the ODI side Short is there. He's been exceptional and he's open the batting. He's obviously prolific in the middle order. Usman, myself, Alex. So there's still a few options." After a miserable run of form this year, Australia are determined the players' key focus is on defending their one-day title ahead of the gruelling Ashes. To manage the workload, the Australian top players won't be available for the last few weeks of the lucrative Indian Premier League that will run from March 23-May 13. "I know there will be guys who will be here for the first half of the IPL and then be home by the start of May. So IPL will be really a crucial period for guys to be able to take that time off and get away from cricket and mentally recharge." Finch also spoke highly of Stoinis who excelled for BBL runners-up Melbourne Stars scoring 533 runs at 53.30 and claiming 14 wickets to cap off a season where he was named the Australian male ODI player of the year. "Yeah absolutely he's someone who can bowl 10 overs, bowl four overs in T20 cricket. He can be at the top of the order he can be really successful in the middle order as well. "To have someone who's as flexible as that is a great asset in your team because then you can build a team around them and that can fill any hole that you need. If there's a weakness somewhere he's generally the best person to fix it and you can shuffle it around them," he added.

Perfect opportunity for youngsters to seal World Cup spots: Aaron Finch

Indian opener Rohit Sharma departed early as India were put into bat by Australia in the first T20 international on Sunday.

Rohit, who opened with KL Rahul, was dismissed mere five runs by&nbsp;Jason Behrendorff while trying to hit a&nbsp;cheeky paddle over short fine.

Earlier, Australian skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to bowl.&nbsp;

Speaking after the toss, Finch said, " &nbsp;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."

India, which recently ended a successful tour Down Under, will aim to demolish the team once again on home soil.

Talking about their strategy for today, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, " 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 potential contenders for our World Cup squad and we want to give them more game time."

"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 Bhuvi. Mayank Markande will play instead of Vijay Shankar."

The seven-match series comprising two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against a struggling Australian side will be India's last international assignment before the mega event starting May 30 in England and Wales.

Teams: 
Australia (Playing XI):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

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Umesh Yadav, Mayank Markande, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

Indian opener Rohit Sharma departed early as India were put into bat by Australia in the first T20 international on Sunday. Rohit, who opened with KL Rahul, was dismissed mere five runs by Jason Behrendorff while trying to hit a cheeky paddle over short fine.

Indian opener Rohit Sharma departed early as India were put into bat by Australia in the first T20 international on Sunday. Rohit, who opened with KL Rahul, was dismissed mere five runs by Jason Behrendorff while trying to hit a cheeky paddle over short fine. Earlier, Australian skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and opted to bowl. Speaking after the toss, Finch said, " 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." India, which recently ended a successful tour Down Under, will aim to demolish the team once again on home soil. Talking about their strategy for today, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, " 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 potential contenders for our World Cup squad and we want to give them more game time." "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 Bhuvi. Mayank Markande will play instead of Vijay Shankar." The seven-match series comprising two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against a struggling Australian side will be India's last international assignment before the mega event starting May 30 in England and Wales. Teams: Australia (Playing XI):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 India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni(w), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Umesh Yadav, Mayank Markande, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

1st T20I: Australia win toss, ask India to bat first

Virat Kohli-led team has displayed diligent efforts at the nets on the eve of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-led-india-look-to-put-final-touches-to-world-cup-plans-199187#india-vs-australia-199174">opening T20 International series against Australia</a>.&nbsp;

The seven-match series, comprising two T20I and five One-Day Internationals against an Australian side, will be India's last international assignment before the World Cup which will start from May 30 in England and Wales.&nbsp;

Bowler Vijay Shankar was the main focus as he bowled full steam alongside Umesh Yadav, indicating the all-rounder will have a lot to do in both the formats.&nbsp;

Shankar has been considered prominent for India's World Cup plans.&nbsp;

During the limited overs series against Australia, India will look to identify the batsman to fill a middle-order spot in an otherwise settled side.&nbsp;

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Depart ✈ 
Arrive 🛬 
Train &amp; sweat it out 💪🏻💪🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> gear up for the 1st T20I in Vizag <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qv5tbFTQpw">pic.twitter.com/Qv5tbFTQpw</a>
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While Shankar has shown that he is a capable batsman, having scored 45 off 64 deliveries in a match-winning 98-run stand with Ambati Rayudu after the top-order collapse in the final ODI in New Zealand. &nbsp;

India will enter the series with consistent bowling options and there is not much ambiguity in India's pace attack.&nbsp;

With Jasprit Bumrah back to take charge of the pace department along with Umesh, Shankar will look to play the role of the third seamer.&nbsp;

Head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharat Arun also gave special attention to India's latest wrist spinner Mayank Markande, who has earned his maiden call-up in the national squad.&nbsp;

Earlier, India had a long fielding session with some unique, high-intensity drills under fielding coach R Sridhar.

Virat Kohli-led team has displayed diligent efforts at the nets on the eve of the opening T20 International series against Australia. The seven-match series, comprising two T20I and five One-Day Internationals against an Australian side, will be India's last international assignment before the World Cup which will start from May 30 in England and Wales.

Virat Kohli-led team has displayed diligent efforts at the nets on the eve of the opening T20 International series against Australia. The seven-match series, comprising two T20I and five One-Day Internationals against an Australian side, will be India's last international assignment before the World Cup which will start from May 30 in England and Wales. Bowler Vijay Shankar was the main focus as he bowled full steam alongside Umesh Yadav, indicating the all-rounder will have a lot to do in both the formats. Shankar has been considered prominent for India's World Cup plans. During the limited overs series against Australia, India will look to identify the batsman to fill a middle-order spot in an otherwise settled side. Depart ✈ Arrive 🛬 Train & sweat it out 💪🏻💪🏻#TeamIndia gear up for the 1st T20I in Vizag #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/Qv5tbFTQpw — BCCI (@BCCI) February 22, 2019 × MOOD in the camp before the 1st T20I against Australia in Vizag #TeamIndia #INDvAUS @Paytm pic.twitter.com/eRuJSW9B8j — BCCI (@BCCI) February 23, 2019 × While Shankar has shown that he is a capable batsman, having scored 45 off 64 deliveries in a match-winning 98-run stand with Ambati Rayudu after the top-order collapse in the final ODI in New Zealand. India will enter the series with consistent bowling options and there is not much ambiguity in India's pace attack. With Jasprit Bumrah back to take charge of the pace department along with Umesh, Shankar will look to play the role of the third seamer. Head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharat Arun also gave special attention to India's latest wrist spinner Mayank Markande, who has earned his maiden call-up in the national squad. Earlier, India had a long fielding session with some unique, high-intensity drills under fielding coach R Sridhar.

India vs Australia: Focus on Vijay Shankar at India nets

Virat Kohli-led India look to put final touches to World Cup plans

India captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Virat+Kohli">Virat Kohli</a> feels that it would have been "more logical" if his team could have played a couple of more ODIs instead of the two T20 Internationals as a part of their World Cup preparations.&nbsp;

India are playing two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against Australia in what will be their last international assignment before the opening World Cup fixture against South Africa in Southampton on June 5. &nbsp;

"Probably, a couple of more ODIs would have been more beneficial for both the teams not just us. It would have been more ideal and logical," Kohli said on the eve of the opening T20.&nbsp;

Even though it's a T20 game, Kohli would like to treat these shortest format games also an extended preparation for the World Cup.&nbsp;

"But look we have to utilise what's in front of us as best as possible. And as I said we're going to look to get into the right kind of frame of mind as a team," the skipper added.&nbsp;

The core team for the World Cup is set but skipper didn't rule out an exceptional performer getting a look in.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-indo-pak-world-cup-game-we-will-respect-government-decision-199134">Virat Kohli on Indo-Pak World Cup game: We will respect government decision</a>

"We're more or less sorted. But through the course of the series you might see something which might surprise you as a team and which you might want to change immediately. But those are things that are upon how circumstances come in front of you," he said.&nbsp;

As of now, we feel pretty balanced as a side and I don't see any concerns or areas that we need to think about anymore. Everything is more or less sorted," world's No 1 batsman sounded quite assured.&nbsp;

The skipper didn't reveal whether leg-spinner Mayank Markande will be given preference over regular wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Chahal and Krunal Pandya have been the two specialist spinners in the T20 format.&nbsp;

"Look, he (Markande) has been given an opportunity because he's done well. It's purely giving a youngster a chance, who has done well over the last couple of seasons and bowled well in the IPL and T20 cricket."&nbsp;

The Indian captain marked Marcus Stoinis as the most dangerous player in the Aussie set-up. Stoinis is set to play in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore.&nbsp;

Kohli termed Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis as a threat for the upcoming series. Stoinis scored 533 at 53.30 with a strike rate of 130.63 for his franchise Melbourne Stars in the BBL. &nbsp;

"If I had to single out one player that can make more impact, that would be Stoinis. He has come around really well during the BBL and he's making stand out performances. You can see he's grown in confidence and he's definitely going to be a very important player for them."&nbsp;

"A few of the guys have done really well in the BBL. But from the last time that we played, the games were close contests, both of them. One was washed out, but the other two were really exciting games. We obviously expect a stiff competition overall from the Australian team," he signed off.&nbsp;

India captain Virat Kohli feels that it would have been "more logical" if his team could have played a couple of more ODIs instead of the two T20 Internationals as a part of their World Cup preparations.

India captain Virat Kohli feels that it would have been "more logical" if his team could have played a couple of more ODIs instead of the two T20 Internationals as a part of their World Cup preparations. India are playing two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against Australia in what will be their last international assignment before the opening World Cup fixture against South Africa in Southampton on June 5. "Probably, a couple of more ODIs would have been more beneficial for both the teams not just us. It would have been more ideal and logical," Kohli said on the eve of the opening T20. Even though it's a T20 game, Kohli would like to treat these shortest format games also an extended preparation for the World Cup. "But look we have to utilise what's in front of us as best as possible. And as I said we're going to look to get into the right kind of frame of mind as a team," the skipper added. The core team for the World Cup is set but skipper didn't rule out an exceptional performer getting a look in. Also Read: Virat Kohli on Indo-Pak World Cup game: We will respect government decision "We're more or less sorted. But through the course of the series you might see something which might surprise you as a team and which you might want to change immediately. But those are things that are upon how circumstances come in front of you," he said. As of now, we feel pretty balanced as a side and I don't see any concerns or areas that we need to think about anymore. Everything is more or less sorted," world's No 1 batsman sounded quite assured. The skipper didn't reveal whether leg-spinner Mayank Markande will be given preference over regular wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Chahal and Krunal Pandya have been the two specialist spinners in the T20 format. "Look, he (Markande) has been given an opportunity because he's done well. It's purely giving a youngster a chance, who has done well over the last couple of seasons and bowled well in the IPL and T20 cricket." The Indian captain marked Marcus Stoinis as the most dangerous player in the Aussie set-up. Stoinis is set to play in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kohli termed Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis as a threat for the upcoming series. Stoinis scored 533 at 53.30 with a strike rate of 130.63 for his franchise Melbourne Stars in the BBL. "If I had to single out one player that can make more impact, that would be Stoinis. He has come around really well during the BBL and he's making stand out performances. You can see he's grown in confidence and he's definitely going to be a very important player for them." "A few of the guys have done really well in the BBL. But from the last time that we played, the games were close contests, both of them. One was washed out, but the other two were really exciting games. We obviously expect a stiff competition overall from the Australian team," he signed off.

Logical would have been to play couple of more ODIs ahead of World Cup: Virat Kohli

Aaron Finch-led team Australia will tour India to play two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals.&nbsp;

The tournament, which will start from February 24, is considered as part of an important build-up to Australia's World Cup title defence in England this year.&nbsp;

Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of Australia's Twenty20 and one-day tour with a "substantial" muscle tear, joining fellow quick bowler Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines.&nbsp;

Veteran seamer Peter Siddle, fast bowler Billy Stanlake and allrounder Shaun Marsh were dropped, which has opened the door for pacemen Kane Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile, and hard-hitting batsman Ashton Turner.&nbsp;

With Hazlewood out, Pat Cummins was named co-vice captain alongside Alex Carey.&nbsp;

Opener D'Arcy Short was included as cover for Shaun Marsh as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Short is expected to play in the two T20s with Marsh joining the squad following the birth of his second child.&nbsp;

For India KL Rahul was recalled for the one-day and T20 but the selectors dropped Dinesh Karthik while picking rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande as the new face.

Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test.

The omission of Karthik is an indicator as to who among Rishabh Pant and the Tamil Nadu player will board the Heathrow-bound flight as a specialist-batsman-cum-second-wicketkeeper for the World Cup.

Pant has found a place in both the squads.&nbsp;

<hr />
<hr />
Here is the complete schedule:

(All timings in IST)

Australia vs India 
Twenty20 Internationals 
1st T20I | Feb 24, Sun | Dr&nbsp;YS&nbsp;Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 7:00 PM

2nd T20I | Feb 27, Wed | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 7:00 PM

Australia vs India 
One-Day Internationals 
1st ODI | Mar 2, Sat | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | 1:30 PM

2nd ODI | Mar 5, Tue | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur | 1:30 PM

3rd ODI | Mar 8, Fri | JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi | 1:30 PM

4th ODI | Mar 10, Sun | Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali | 1:30 PM

5th ODI | Mar 13, Wed | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | 1:30 PM

<hr />
<hr />
Here is the squad list of both the teams:

India's squad:

For 1st and 2nd ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), <s>Hardik Pandya</s>, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja.&nbsp;

For remaining three ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), <s>Hardik Pandya</s>, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.&nbsp;

For T20I series: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), <s>Hardik Pandya</s>, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande.

Australia's squad:

For T20I series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Peter Handscomb, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa&nbsp;

For ODIs series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa

Aaron Finch-led team Australia will tour India to play two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals. The tournament, which will start from February 24, is considered as part of an important build-up to Australia's World Cup title defence in England this year.

Aaron Finch-led team Australia will tour India to play two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals. The tournament, which will start from February 24, is considered as part of an important build-up to Australia's World Cup title defence in England this year. Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of Australia's Twenty20 and one-day tour with a "substantial" muscle tear, joining fellow quick bowler Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines. Veteran seamer Peter Siddle, fast bowler Billy Stanlake and allrounder Shaun Marsh were dropped, which has opened the door for pacemen Kane Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile, and hard-hitting batsman Ashton Turner. With Hazlewood out, Pat Cummins was named co-vice captain alongside Alex Carey. Opener D'Arcy Short was included as cover for Shaun Marsh as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Short is expected to play in the two T20s with Marsh joining the squad following the birth of his second child. For India KL Rahul was recalled for the one-day and T20 but the selectors dropped Dinesh Karthik while picking rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande as the new face. Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test. The omission of Karthik is an indicator as to who among Rishabh Pant and the Tamil Nadu player will board the Heathrow-bound flight as a specialist-batsman-cum-second-wicketkeeper for the World Cup. Pant has found a place in both the squads. Here is the complete schedule: (All timings in IST) Australia vs India Twenty20 Internationals 1st T20I | Feb 24, Sun | Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 7:00 PM 2nd T20I | Feb 27, Wed | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 7:00 PM Australia vs India One-Day Internationals 1st ODI | Mar 2, Sat | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | 1:30 PM 2nd ODI | Mar 5, Tue | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur | 1:30 PM 3rd ODI | Mar 8, Fri | JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi | 1:30 PM 4th ODI | Mar 10, Sun | Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali | 1:30 PM 5th ODI | Mar 13, Wed | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | 1:30 PM Here is the squad list of both the teams: India's squad: For 1st and 2nd ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja. For remaining three ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja. For T20I series: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande. Australia's squad: For T20I series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Peter Handscomb, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa For ODIs series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa

India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden rates his countryman Marcus Stoinis above India's promising all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

Hayden, who turned out for his country in 103 Test matches, also feels that his compatriot and fast bowler Pat Cummins was likely to trouble India opener Shikhar Dhawan in the coming ODI and T20 between the two countries.&nbsp;

However, he praised India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and predicted that the Haryana bowler will come out on top in his expected middle-overs battle against the hard-hitting Australia batsman Glenn Maxwell.&nbsp;

The India-Australia series, comprising two T20s and five One Day Internationals, starts on February 24 with the first T20 to be held in Visakhapatnam.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2019-schedule-squad-time-and-venue-197778">India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

"Marcus Stoinis is developing into a world-class all-rounder. He is unlucky not to be playing a little bit more Test cricket. He has quality in his play, although Hardik is also a fine player," Hayden said, comparing the two pace-bowling all-rounders.&nbsp;

"Stoinis has adopted a wider approach to his game which is winning matches for his country. Hardik Pandya also has the same responsibility, but I think right now Stoinis is a better player," Hayden, who is on the Star Sports' commentary panel, was quoted as saying in a release.&nbsp;

"Pat Cummins will have the hold on Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan loves pace and I think Pat holds the armoury with short ball, reverse swing and the variation with slow balls.&nbsp;

"I think Patty will be the baby-sitter," said Hayden about the expected confrontation between the two.&nbsp;

On the expected Chahal vs Maxwell duel, Hayden said, "Maxwell is a player who has struggled when playing in Indian conditions. His IPL performances have not been quite impactful.&nbsp;

"In the perspective of ODIs and Test matches, Maxwell has achieved one excellent 100. But Chahal is developing into a world-class spinner and possesses plenty of variation.&nbsp;

"Maxwell often comes in through the middle stages where he will really need to pump up the pace and Chahal has got variation, so I will get Chahal to babysit," he commented when asked about the rivalry between Maxwell and Chahal and who would "baby-sit" (dominate) whom.&nbsp;

The 28-year-old Chahal has picked up 45 wickets from 29 T20s and also has 71 ODI wickets from 40 games.&nbsp;

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden rates his countryman Marcus Stoinis above India's promising all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Hayden, who turned out for his country in 103 Test matches, also feels that his compatriot and fast bowler Pat Cummins was likely to trouble India opener Shikhar Dhawan in the coming ODI and T20 between the two countries.

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden rates his countryman Marcus Stoinis above India's promising all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Hayden, who turned out for his country in 103 Test matches, also feels that his compatriot and fast bowler Pat Cummins was likely to trouble India opener Shikhar Dhawan in the coming ODI and T20 between the two countries. However, he praised India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and predicted that the Haryana bowler will come out on top in his expected middle-overs battle against the hard-hitting Australia batsman Glenn Maxwell. The India-Australia series, comprising two T20s and five One Day Internationals, starts on February 24 with the first T20 to be held in Visakhapatnam. Also Read: India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue "Marcus Stoinis is developing into a world-class all-rounder. He is unlucky not to be playing a little bit more Test cricket. He has quality in his play, although Hardik is also a fine player," Hayden said, comparing the two pace-bowling all-rounders. "Stoinis has adopted a wider approach to his game which is winning matches for his country. Hardik Pandya also has the same responsibility, but I think right now Stoinis is a better player," Hayden, who is on the Star Sports' commentary panel, was quoted as saying in a release. "Pat Cummins will have the hold on Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan loves pace and I think Pat holds the armoury with short ball, reverse swing and the variation with slow balls. "I think Patty will be the baby-sitter," said Hayden about the expected confrontation between the two. On the expected Chahal vs Maxwell duel, Hayden said, "Maxwell is a player who has struggled when playing in Indian conditions. His IPL performances have not been quite impactful. "In the perspective of ODIs and Test matches, Maxwell has achieved one excellent 100. But Chahal is developing into a world-class spinner and possesses plenty of variation. "Maxwell often comes in through the middle stages where he will really need to pump up the pace and Chahal has got variation, so I will get Chahal to babysit," he commented when asked about the rivalry between Maxwell and Chahal and who would "baby-sit" (dominate) whom. The 28-year-old Chahal has picked up 45 wickets from 29 T20s and also has 71 ODI wickets from 40 games.

Marcus Stoinis currently better than Hardik Pandya, says Matthew Hayden

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad for upcoming India vs Australia T20 International series.&nbsp;

Australia will tour India to play two T20Is and five O<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-odi-dinesh-karthik-dropped-kl-rahul-returns-to-squad-197613">ne-Day International series</a>.&nbsp;

Selectors have picked rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande and rested Kuldeep Yadav and also picked batsman KL Rahul for both, ODI and T20, squads.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test.&nbsp;

While battling indifferent form in Australia, the opener was called back after the unsavoury comments on women in a TV talk show, following which he was asked to regain his form by concentrating on domestic cricket.

He has also been a part of the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and Sidharth Kaul will lead the pace attack.&nbsp;

Rishabh&nbsp;Pant has found a place in both the squads.

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India’s squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a>
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India's squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad for upcoming India vs Australia T20 International series. Australia will tour India to play two T20Is and five One-Day International series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad for upcoming India vs Australia T20 International series. Australia will tour India to play two T20Is and five One-Day International series. Selectors have picked rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande and rested Kuldeep Yadav and also picked batsman KL Rahul for both, ODI and T20, squads. The 21-year-old Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test. While battling indifferent form in Australia, the opener was called back after the unsavoury comments on women in a TV talk show, following which he was asked to regain his form by concentrating on domestic cricket. He has also been a part of the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians. Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and Sidharth Kaul will lead the pace attack. Rishabh Pant has found a place in both the squads. India’s squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande #INDvAUS — BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2019 × India's squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande

India vs Australia, T20I: Leg-spinner Mayank Markande picked, Kuldeep Yadav rested

Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has been dropped from India's One-Day International (ODI) squad while batsman KL Rahul has returned to both ODI and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-t20i-leg-spinner-mayank-markande-picked-kuldeep-yadav-rested-197608">T20 International squads</a> for the home series against Australia.&nbsp;

KL Rahul has been called back after the unsavoury comments on women in a TV talk show, following which he was asked to regain his form by concentrating on domestic cricket.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad on Friday for upcoming India vs Australia series for both T20 and ODI format.&nbsp;

India and Australia will play two T20Is and five ODI matches and the tournament will kick off from February 24.&nbsp;

Khaleel Ahmed, Shubhman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammad Siraj - all of whom were part of the squad in the recent tour of New Zealand, have also been left out.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test.&nbsp;

The pace attack includes Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami; Bhuvneshwar Kumar will join the squad from the third ODI onwards. Bhuvi has been rested for the first two ODIs.&nbsp;

Kuldeep Yadav has been dropped from the T20 squad but he will return to ODI with his spin action.&nbsp;

Rishabh Pant has found a place in both the squads.&nbsp;

India’s squad for 1st and 2nd ODI against Australia: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul, KL Rahul.&nbsp;

India’s squad for remaining three ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant.&nbsp;

India's squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has been dropped from India's One-Day International (ODI) squad while batsman KL Rahul has returned to both ODI and T20 International squads for the home series against Australia.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has been dropped from India's One-Day International (ODI) squad while batsman KL Rahul has returned to both ODI and T20 International squads for the home series against Australia. KL Rahul has been called back after the unsavoury comments on women in a TV talk show, following which he was asked to regain his form by concentrating on domestic cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced the 15-member squad on Friday for upcoming India vs Australia series for both T20 and ODI format. India and Australia will play two T20Is and five ODI matches and the tournament will kick off from February 24. Khaleel Ahmed, Shubhman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammad Siraj - all of whom were part of the squad in the recent tour of New Zealand, have also been left out. The 21-year-old Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test. The pace attack includes Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami; Bhuvneshwar Kumar will join the squad from the third ODI onwards. Bhuvi has been rested for the first two ODIs. Kuldeep Yadav has been dropped from the T20 squad but he will return to ODI with his spin action. Rishabh Pant has found a place in both the squads. India’s squad for 1st and 2nd ODI against Australia: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul, KL Rahul. India’s squad for remaining three ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant. India's squad for T20I series against Australia: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande.

India vs Australia, ODI: Dinesh Karthik dropped, KL Rahul recalled

Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was picked this week for Australia's one-day and Twenty20 tour of India, was taken to the hospital Saturday after a bout of vertigo during a Big Bash League game.&nbsp;

The Perth Scorchers fast bowler had delivered the fifth ball of his final over late in the Twenty20 match against the Adelaide Strikers when he signalled that all was not well.&nbsp;

After consulting with Perth captain Mitchell Marsh, he bowled the sixth ball, which was hit for six, before sinking to his haunches and sitting on the ground. 
Scorchers physio Chris Quinnell said Coulter-Nile had suffered a "bad bout of vertigo".&nbsp;

"He was taken to hospital after the game as a precaution and will be monitored over the next few hours," Quinnell said on the BBL website.&nbsp;

Coulter-Nile's inclusion in Australia's squad for the India tour came after he was left out of recent home limited-overs internationals with back issues.&nbsp;

Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was picked this week for Australia's one-day and Twenty20 tour of India, was taken to the hospital Saturday after a bout of vertigo during a Big Bash League game.

Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was picked this week for Australia's one-day and Twenty20 tour of India, was taken to the hospital Saturday after a bout of vertigo during a Big Bash League game. The Perth Scorchers fast bowler had delivered the fifth ball of his final over late in the Twenty20 match against the Adelaide Strikers when he signalled that all was not well. After consulting with Perth captain Mitchell Marsh, he bowled the sixth ball, which was hit for six, before sinking to his haunches and sitting on the ground. Scorchers physio Chris Quinnell said Coulter-Nile had suffered a "bad bout of vertigo". "He was taken to hospital after the game as a precaution and will be monitored over the next few hours," Quinnell said on the BBL website. Coulter-Nile's inclusion in Australia's squad for the India tour came after he was left out of recent home limited-overs internationals with back issues.

Nathan Coulter-Nile suffers vertigo bout during BBL game

Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a fiery spell of bowling to clinch six wickets and restrict Australia for a mere 230 runs in the third and final ODI against India on Friday.&nbsp;

The legspinner picked up 6 for 42 and was well supported by Bhuvi and Shami, who picked two each.&nbsp;

Just when the hosts recovered from the early losses, Chahal clinched three wickets in quick intervals - of two set batsmen and another - to make India dominate the game.&nbsp;

Both Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh were dismissed off Chahal while trying to hit a shot. While Marsh was stumped by MS Dhoni, Khawaja caught and bowl by the bowler. &nbsp;

Marcus Stoinis was the third player to be dismissed by the right-arm leg spinner. 
&nbsp; 
However, it was Peter Handscomb crucial 58 runs that helped Australia revive their inning. He too was dismissed by Chahal at a point when he was all set to take the game away from the Men in Blue. &nbsp;

Handscomb is also the highest scoring player with the bat as the rest nine failed to reach the fifty digit mark. Marsh contributed 39 runs and Khwaja made 34 before giving away their wickets. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar too struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch early. &nbsp;He also took a brilliant catch of Glenn Maxwell to hand Shami his first wicket of the game.&nbsp;

Apart from Kumar, Mohammed Shami also clinched two wickets and gave away 47 runs in his 9.4 overs bowled.

Put into bat, &nbsp;Australia's score stood at 27 for the loss of two wickets at a point.&nbsp;

Earlier, incessant rain delayed the start of the third and final ODI on Friday after skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl.

The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India clinched the second in Adelaide by six wickets.&nbsp;

Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a fiery spell of bowling to clinch six wickets and restrict Australia for a mere 230 runs in the third and final ODI against India on Friday.

Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a fiery spell of bowling to clinch six wickets and restrict Australia for a mere 230 runs in the third and final ODI against India on Friday. The legspinner picked up 6 for 42 and was well supported by Bhuvi and Shami, who picked two each. Just when the hosts recovered from the early losses, Chahal clinched three wickets in quick intervals - of two set batsmen and another - to make India dominate the game. Both Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh were dismissed off Chahal while trying to hit a shot. While Marsh was stumped by MS Dhoni, Khawaja caught and bowl by the bowler. Marcus Stoinis was the third player to be dismissed by the right-arm leg spinner. However, it was Peter Handscomb crucial 58 runs that helped Australia revive their inning. He too was dismissed by Chahal at a point when he was all set to take the game away from the Men in Blue. Handscomb is also the highest scoring player with the bat as the rest nine failed to reach the fifty digit mark. Marsh contributed 39 runs and Khwaja made 34 before giving away their wickets. Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar too struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch early. He also took a brilliant catch of Glenn Maxwell to hand Shami his first wicket of the game. Apart from Kumar, Mohammed Shami also clinched two wickets and gave away 47 runs in his 9.4 overs bowled. Put into bat, Australia's score stood at 27 for the loss of two wickets at a point. Earlier, incessant rain delayed the start of the third and final ODI on Friday after skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl. The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India clinched the second in Adelaide by six wickets.

IND vs AUS, 3rd ODI: Chahal clinches 6 wickets to restrict Australia to 230

Peter Handscomb contributed a crucial half-century to revive Australia's inning, after the hosts lost three wickets in quick succession, thanks to Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, to dip further in the third and final ODI.

Australia had recovered from the early losses before Chahal displayed a brilliant spell of bowling to send two set batsmen and another back to the pavilion. &nbsp;

Both Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh were dismissed off Chahal while trying to hit a shot. While Marsh was stumped by MS Dhoni, Khawaja caught and bowl by the bowler. &nbsp;

Marcus Stoinis was the third player to be dismissed by the right-arm leg spinner.

Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.&nbsp;

He also took a brilliant catch of Glenn Maxwell to hand Shami his first wicket of the game.&nbsp;

Put into bat, &nbsp;Australia's score stands at 92 for the loss of two wickets after 22 overs.&nbsp;

Earlier, incessant rain delayed the start of the third and final ODI on Friday after skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl.

India are eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest.

The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India clinched the second in Adelaide by six wickets.&nbsp;

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " It's going to be stop-start, with the rain around, and as a batsman we are never in, so that's the idea. Levelling the series was important, now both the teams are set up for the decider. Siraj makes way for Vijay Shankar, Chahal for Kuldeep, Jadhav for Rayudu."

When asked what strategy will Australia adopt for the series decider, skipper Aaron Finch said, "There might be a touch of moisture but it's still a good surface. It might be slow to start with, but it won't change too much during the course of the game. I think It's been an exciting couple of weeks, a great win in Sydney and a really good game in Adelaide. We're ready to go for the series decider. I do hope to just get back to my natural game to be honest. Changes: Stanlake in for Behrendorff and Zampa in for Lyon."

India have never won a bilateral ODI contest on Australian soil, and their only two series' wins in this format have come in 1985 (World Championship of Cricket) and 2008 (CB Series).&nbsp;

Peter Handscomb contributed a crucial half-century to revive Australia's inning, after the hosts lost three wickets in quick succession, thanks to Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, to dip further in the third and final ODI.

Peter Handscomb contributed a crucial half-century to revive Australia's inning, after the hosts lost three wickets in quick succession, thanks to Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, to dip further in the third and final ODI. Australia had recovered from the early losses before Chahal displayed a brilliant spell of bowling to send two set batsmen and another back to the pavilion. Both Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh were dismissed off Chahal while trying to hit a shot. While Marsh was stumped by MS Dhoni, Khawaja caught and bowl by the bowler. Marcus Stoinis was the third player to be dismissed by the right-arm leg spinner. Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. He also took a brilliant catch of Glenn Maxwell to hand Shami his first wicket of the game. Put into bat, Australia's score stands at 92 for the loss of two wickets after 22 overs. Earlier, incessant rain delayed the start of the third and final ODI on Friday after skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl. India are eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest. The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India clinched the second in Adelaide by six wickets. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " It's going to be stop-start, with the rain around, and as a batsman we are never in, so that's the idea. Levelling the series was important, now both the teams are set up for the decider. Siraj makes way for Vijay Shankar, Chahal for Kuldeep, Jadhav for Rayudu." When asked what strategy will Australia adopt for the series decider, skipper Aaron Finch said, "There might be a touch of moisture but it's still a good surface. It might be slow to start with, but it won't change too much during the course of the game. I think It's been an exciting couple of weeks, a great win in Sydney and a really good game in Adelaide. We're ready to go for the series decider. I do hope to just get back to my natural game to be honest. Changes: Stanlake in for Behrendorff and Zampa in for Lyon." India have never won a bilateral ODI contest on Australian soil, and their only two series' wins in this format have come in 1985 (World Championship of Cricket) and 2008 (CB Series).

IND vs AUS, 3rd ODI: Handscomb's fifty revives Australia's inning, are 207/7 after 44 overs

Just when we thought Australia recovered from the early losses, Indian bowler Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a brilliant spell of bowling to send two set batsmen and another back to the pavilion. &nbsp;

Both Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh were dismissed off Chahal while trying to hit a shot. While Marsh was stumped by MS Dhoni, Khawaja caught and bowl by the bowler. &nbsp;

Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.&nbsp;

Earlier, incessant rain delayed the start of the third and final ODI on Friday after skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl.

India are eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest.

The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India clinched the second in Adelaide by six wickets.&nbsp;

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " It's going to be stop-start, with the rain around, and as a batsman we are never in, so that's the idea. Levelling the series was important, now both the teams are set up for the decider. Siraj makes way for Vijay Shankar, Chahal for Kuldeep, Jadhav for Rayudu."

When asked what strategy will Australia adopt for the series decider, skipper Aaron Finch said, "There might be a touch of moisture but it's still a good surface. It might be slow to start with, but it won't change too much during the course of the game. I think It's been an exciting couple of weeks, a great win in Sydney and a really good game in Adelaide. We're ready to go for the series decider. I do hope to just get back to my natural game to be honest. Changes: Stanlake in for Behrendorff and Zampa in for Lyon."

India have never won a bilateral ODI contest on Australian soil, and their only two series' wins in this format have come in 1985 (World Championship of Cricket) and 2008 (CB Series).&nbsp;

Teams:

Australia (Playing XI): Alex Carey(w), Aaron Finch(c), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Peter Siddle, Adam Zampa

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal

Just when we thought Australia recovered from the early losses, Indian bowler Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a brilliant spell of bowling to send two set batsmen and another back to the pavilion.

Just when we thought Australia recovered from the early losses, Indian bowler Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a brilliant spell of bowling to send two set batsmen and another back to the pavilion. Both Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh were dismissed off Chahal while trying to hit a shot. While Marsh was stumped by MS Dhoni, Khawaja caught and bowl by the bowler. Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Earlier, incessant rain delayed the start of the third and final ODI on Friday after skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl. India are eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest. The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India clinched the second in Adelaide by six wickets. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " It's going to be stop-start, with the rain around, and as a batsman we are never in, so that's the idea. Levelling the series was important, now both the teams are set up for the decider. Siraj makes way for Vijay Shankar, Chahal for Kuldeep, Jadhav for Rayudu." When asked what strategy will Australia adopt for the series decider, skipper Aaron Finch said, "There might be a touch of moisture but it's still a good surface. It might be slow to start with, but it won't change too much during the course of the game. I think It's been an exciting couple of weeks, a great win in Sydney and a really good game in Adelaide. We're ready to go for the series decider. I do hope to just get back to my natural game to be honest. Changes: Stanlake in for Behrendorff and Zampa in for Lyon." India have never won a bilateral ODI contest on Australian soil, and their only two series' wins in this format have come in 1985 (World Championship of Cricket) and 2008 (CB Series). Teams: Australia (Playing XI): Alex Carey(w), Aaron Finch(c), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Peter Siddle, Adam Zampa India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal

IND vs AUS, 3rd ODI: Rejuvenated Australia lose three wickets in quick succession

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.&nbsp;

Put into bat, &nbsp;Australia's score stands at 92 for the loss of two wickets after 22 overs.&nbsp;

Earlier, incessant rain delayed the start of the third and final ODI on Friday after skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl.

India are eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest.

The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India clinched the second in Adelaide by six wickets.&nbsp;

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " It's going to be stop-start, with the rain around, and as a batsman we are never in, so that's the idea. Levelling the series was important, now both the teams are set up for the decider. Siraj makes way for Vijay Shankar, Chahal for Kuldeep, Jadhav for Rayudu."

When asked what strategy will Australia adopt for the series decider, skipper Aaron Finch said, "There might be a touch of moisture but it's still a good surface. It might be slow to start with, but it won't change too much during the course of the game. I think It's been an exciting couple of weeks, a great win in Sydney and a really good game in Adelaide. We're ready to go for the series decider. I do hope to just get back to my natural game to be honest. Changes: Stanlake in for Behrendorff and Zampa in for Lyon."

India have never won a bilateral ODI contest on Australian soil, and their only two series' wins in this format have come in 1985 (World Championship of Cricket) and 2008 (CB Series).&nbsp;

Teams:

Australia (Playing XI): Alex Carey(w), Aaron Finch(c), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Peter Siddle, Adam Zampa

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Put into bat, Australia's score stands at 92 for the loss of two wickets after 22 overs. Earlier, incessant rain delayed the start of the third and final ODI on Friday after skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl. India are eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest. The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India clinched the second in Adelaide by six wickets. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " It's going to be stop-start, with the rain around, and as a batsman we are never in, so that's the idea. Levelling the series was important, now both the teams are set up for the decider. Siraj makes way for Vijay Shankar, Chahal for Kuldeep, Jadhav for Rayudu." When asked what strategy will Australia adopt for the series decider, skipper Aaron Finch said, "There might be a touch of moisture but it's still a good surface. It might be slow to start with, but it won't change too much during the course of the game. I think It's been an exciting couple of weeks, a great win in Sydney and a really good game in Adelaide. We're ready to go for the series decider. I do hope to just get back to my natural game to be honest. Changes: Stanlake in for Behrendorff and Zampa in for Lyon." India have never won a bilateral ODI contest on Australian soil, and their only two series' wins in this format have come in 1985 (World Championship of Cricket) and 2008 (CB Series). Teams: Australia (Playing XI): Alex Carey(w), Aaron Finch(c), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Peter Siddle, Adam Zampa India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal

IND vs AUS, 3rd ODI: Australia recover from early losses, are 92/2 after 22 overs

Indian skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl in the decider ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

Earlier, incessant rain delayed the start of the third and final ODI on Friday.&nbsp;

India are eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest.

The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India clinched the second in Adelaide by six wickets.&nbsp;

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " It's going to be stop-start, with the rain around, and as a batsman we are never in, so that's the idea. Levelling the series was important, now both the teams are set up for the decider. Siraj makes way for Vijay Shankar, Chahal for Kuldeep, Jadhav for Rayudu."

When asked what strategy will Australia adopt for the series decider, skipper Aaron Finch said, "There might be a touch of moisture but it's still a good surface. It might be slow to start with, but it won't change too much during the course of the game. I think It's been an exciting couple of weeks, a great win in Sydney and a really good game in Adelaide. We're ready to go for the series decider. I do hope to just get back to my natural game to be honest. Changes: Stanlake in for Behrendorff and Zampa in for Lyon."

India have never won a bilateral ODI contest on Australian soil, and their only two series' wins in this format have come in 1985 (World Championship of Cricket) and 2008 (CB Series).&nbsp;

Teams:

Australia (Playing XI): Alex Carey(w), Aaron Finch(c), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Peter Siddle, Adam Zampa

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal 
&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl in the decider ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. Earlier, incessant rain delayed the start of the third and final ODI on Friday.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl in the decider ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. Earlier, incessant rain delayed the start of the third and final ODI on Friday. India are eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest. The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India clinched the second in Adelaide by six wickets. Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " It's going to be stop-start, with the rain around, and as a batsman we are never in, so that's the idea. Levelling the series was important, now both the teams are set up for the decider. Siraj makes way for Vijay Shankar, Chahal for Kuldeep, Jadhav for Rayudu." When asked what strategy will Australia adopt for the series decider, skipper Aaron Finch said, "There might be a touch of moisture but it's still a good surface. It might be slow to start with, but it won't change too much during the course of the game. I think It's been an exciting couple of weeks, a great win in Sydney and a really good game in Adelaide. We're ready to go for the series decider. I do hope to just get back to my natural game to be honest. Changes: Stanlake in for Behrendorff and Zampa in for Lyon." India have never won a bilateral ODI contest on Australian soil, and their only two series' wins in this format have come in 1985 (World Championship of Cricket) and 2008 (CB Series). Teams: Australia (Playing XI): Alex Carey(w), Aaron Finch(c), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Peter Siddle, Adam Zampa India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal

3rd ODI: Virat Kohli wins toss, opts to field against Australia in series decider

India on Friday won their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-ms-dhoni-is-the-roger-federer-of-cricket-191251">maiden bilateral One-day International (ODI) series against Australia</a> down under on Friday.

The win came after the Virat Kohli-led team defeated the host&nbsp;in the third and final one-day international by seven wickets. India won the three-game series 2-1.&nbsp;

Chasing&nbsp;231, MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav established a partnership of over 100 runs, with both scoring a half-century, to give India their historic win. Both the players remained unbeaten and contributed 87 and 61 respectively.&nbsp;

Earlier, skipper Virat Kohli fell four short of his half-century. He scored&nbsp;46 in 62 balls which included just three boundaries before being dismissed by Jhye Richardson.

India lost opener Rohit Sharma early in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne cricket ground on Friday. Minutes later,&nbsp;Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Virat Kohli were also dismissed with India's India's reaching score reaching 113/3 at a point.

In bowling, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a fiery spell of bowling to clinch six wickets and restrict Australia for a mere 230 runs in the third and final ODI against India on Friday.&nbsp;

The legspinner picked up 6 for 42 and was well supported by Bhuvi and Shami, who picked two each.&nbsp;

Just when the hosts recovered from the early losses, Chahal clinched three wickets in quick intervals - of two set batsmen and another - to make India dominate the game.&nbsp;

Both Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh were dismissed off Chahal while trying to hit a shot. While Marsh was stumped by MS Dhoni, Khawaja caught and bowl by the bowler. &nbsp;

Marcus Stoinis was the third player to be dismissed by the right-arm leg spinner. 
&nbsp; 
However, it was Peter Handscomb crucial 58 runs that helped Australia revive their inning. He too was dismissed by Chahal at a point when he was all set to take the game away from the Men in Blue. &nbsp;

Handscomb is also the highest scoring player with the bat as the rest nine failed to reach the fifty digit mark. Marsh contributed 39 runs and Khwaja made 34 before giving away their wickets. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar too struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch early. &nbsp;He also took a brilliant catch of Glenn Maxwell to hand Shami his first wicket of the game.&nbsp;

Apart from Kumar, Mohammed Shami also clinched two wickets and gave away 47 runs in his 9.4 overs bowled.

India on Friday won their maiden bilateral One-day International (ODI) series against Australia down under on Friday. The win came after the Virat Kohli-led team defeated the host in the third and final one-day international by seven wickets.

India on Friday won their maiden bilateral One-day International (ODI) series against Australia down under on Friday. The win came after the Virat Kohli-led team defeated the host in the third and final one-day international by seven wickets. India won the three-game series 2-1. Chasing 231, MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav established a partnership of over 100 runs, with both scoring a half-century, to give India their historic win. Both the players remained unbeaten and contributed 87 and 61 respectively. Earlier, skipper Virat Kohli fell four short of his half-century. He scored 46 in 62 balls which included just three boundaries before being dismissed by Jhye Richardson. India lost opener Rohit Sharma early in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne cricket ground on Friday. Minutes later, Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Virat Kohli were also dismissed with India's India's reaching score reaching 113/3 at a point. In bowling, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a fiery spell of bowling to clinch six wickets and restrict Australia for a mere 230 runs in the third and final ODI against India on Friday. The legspinner picked up 6 for 42 and was well supported by Bhuvi and Shami, who picked two each. Just when the hosts recovered from the early losses, Chahal clinched three wickets in quick intervals - of two set batsmen and another - to make India dominate the game. Both Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh were dismissed off Chahal while trying to hit a shot. While Marsh was stumped by MS Dhoni, Khawaja caught and bowl by the bowler. Marcus Stoinis was the third player to be dismissed by the right-arm leg spinner. However, it was Peter Handscomb crucial 58 runs that helped Australia revive their inning. He too was dismissed by Chahal at a point when he was all set to take the game away from the Men in Blue. Handscomb is also the highest scoring player with the bat as the rest nine failed to reach the fifty digit mark. Marsh contributed 39 runs and Khwaja made 34 before giving away their wickets. Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar too struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch early. He also took a brilliant catch of Glenn Maxwell to hand Shami his first wicket of the game. Apart from Kumar, Mohammed Shami also clinched two wickets and gave away 47 runs in his 9.4 overs bowled.

India win maiden ODI series against Australia Down Under

The day MS Dhoni retires we will remember him hitting "that six" which won India the World Cup against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede in 2011. However, Dhoni's retirement day is still sometime in the future as the last over victory at Adelaide in the last over is anything any proof - the first ball six in the final over was vintage Dhoni.

Amazingly, both Dhoni and Swiss tennis star Roger Federer were born within thirty days of each other in 1981(Dhoni on July 7, Federer on August 8). The similarities between the two greats are also strikingly similar - both men display ice-cool composure under pressure.

Dhoni's latest sixer to win the match for India in the last over is nothing new for the former India captain, just like Federer who is now enjoying his second coming in tennis as a "veteran", Dhoni too at 37 is in the twilight of his career - and playing the role of "mentor-cum-finisher".

Both Kohli and coach Shastri have backed Dhoni to the hilt as "experts" kept harping that Indian wicketkeeper-batsman had lost form and confidence, unruffled the Jharkhand batsman hit two powerful half-centuries in the first two matches against Australia and topped it with another one at Melbourne.

Critics who say Dhoni must quit have to just look at his contribution to Team India, the "gentleman" as Gavaskar called him, stands behind the wicket for full 50 overs in the Australian heat which is at its peak this summer and then comes out to play match-winning innings - India cannot ask more from one man, fans ask for the moon and Dhoni often in his inimitable style delivers.

Federer had recently said he understands his physical condition best, on some days his coaching staff allows him to train hard and on others days he takes it easy allowing him to bring out his best game in crunch matches. Dhoni is quite similar. The Indian ODI wicketkeeper is still keeping the 21-year-old Rishabh Pant at home while he fights exhaustion and pressure to deliver for India.

The records too speak for itself, the ex-India captain has played 334 ODIs so far scoring 10 centuries at a stupendous strike rate of 87. Interestingly, it is not the strike rate or the runs but consistency - averaging 50.4 per innings sets Dhoni apart from any middle or top order batsman in a long span of 14 years of pressure cooker cricket.

As Gavaskar said "please leave the gentleman alone", it is time Indian fans and critics followed his advise. Dhoni must be allowed to go on his terms because once he retires "captain cool" will be hard to replace.

Dhoni's value to Team India is incalculable. 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The day MS Dhoni retires we will remember him hitting "that six" which won India the World Cup against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede in 2011. However, Dhoni's retirement day is still sometime in the future as the last over victory at Adelaide in the last over is anything any proof - the first ball six in the final over was vintage Dhoni.

The day MS Dhoni retires we will remember him hitting "that six" which won India the World Cup against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede in 2011. However, Dhoni's retirement day is still sometime in the future as the last over victory at Adelaide in the last over is anything any proof - the first ball six in the final over was vintage Dhoni. Amazingly, both Dhoni and Swiss tennis star Roger Federer were born within thirty days of each other in 1981(Dhoni on July 7, Federer on August 8). The similarities between the two greats are also strikingly similar - both men display ice-cool composure under pressure. Dhoni's latest sixer to win the match for India in the last over is nothing new for the former India captain, just like Federer who is now enjoying his second coming in tennis as a "veteran", Dhoni too at 37 is in the twilight of his career - and playing the role of "mentor-cum-finisher". Both Kohli and coach Shastri have backed Dhoni to the hilt as "experts" kept harping that Indian wicketkeeper-batsman had lost form and confidence, unruffled the Jharkhand batsman hit two powerful half-centuries in the first two matches against Australia and topped it with another one at Melbourne. Critics who say Dhoni must quit have to just look at his contribution to Team India, the "gentleman" as Gavaskar called him, stands behind the wicket for full 50 overs in the Australian heat which is at its peak this summer and then comes out to play match-winning innings - India cannot ask more from one man, fans ask for the moon and Dhoni often in his inimitable style delivers. Federer had recently said he understands his physical condition best, on some days his coaching staff allows him to train hard and on others days he takes it easy allowing him to bring out his best game in crunch matches. Dhoni is quite similar. The Indian ODI wicketkeeper is still keeping the 21-year-old Rishabh Pant at home while he fights exhaustion and pressure to deliver for India. The records too speak for itself, the ex-India captain has played 334 ODIs so far scoring 10 centuries at a stupendous strike rate of 87. Interestingly, it is not the strike rate or the runs but consistency - averaging 50.4 per innings sets Dhoni apart from any middle or top order batsman in a long span of 14 years of pressure cooker cricket. As Gavaskar said "please leave the gentleman alone", it is time Indian fans and critics followed his advise. Dhoni must be allowed to go on his terms because once he retires "captain cool" will be hard to replace. Dhoni's value to Team India is incalculable. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why MS Dhoni is the Roger Federer of cricket

Indian skipper Virat Kohli fell four-run short of his half-century and was dismissed for 46 by Jhye Richardson.

Kohli's inning came in 62 balls and included just three boundaries.&nbsp;

Earlier, India lost opener Rohit Sharma early in chase of 231 set by Australia in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne cricket ground on Friday.

With Shikhar Dhawan skipper Virat Kohli on the crease, India's score stands at 26 for the loss of one wicket after 10 overs.

Earlier, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a fiery spell of bowling to clinch six wickets and restrict Australia for a mere 230 runs in the third and final ODI against India on Friday.&nbsp;

The legspinner picked up 6 for 42 and was well supported by Bhuvi and Shami, who picked two each.&nbsp;

Just when the hosts recovered from the early losses, Chahal clinched three wickets in quick intervals - of two set batsmen and another - to make India dominate the game.&nbsp;

Both Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh were dismissed off Chahal while trying to hit a shot. While Marsh was stumped by MS Dhoni, Khawaja caught and bowl by the bowler. &nbsp;

Marcus Stoinis was the third player to be dismissed by the right-arm leg spinner. 
&nbsp; 
However, it was Peter Handscomb crucial 58 runs that helped Australia revive their inning. He too was dismissed by Chahal at a point when he was all set to take the game away from the Men in Blue. &nbsp;

Handscomb is also the highest scoring player with the bat as the rest nine failed to reach the fifty digit mark. Marsh contributed 39 runs and Khwaja made 34 before giving away their wickets. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar too struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch early. &nbsp;He also took a brilliant catch of Glenn Maxwell to hand Shami his first wicket of the game.&nbsp;

Apart from Kumar, Mohammed Shami also clinched two wickets and gave away 47 runs in his 9.4 overs bowled.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli fell four-run short of his half-century and was dismissed for 46 by Jhye Richardson. Kohli's inning came in 62 balls and included just three boundaries.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli fell four-run short of his half-century and was dismissed for 46 by Jhye Richardson. Kohli's inning came in 62 balls and included just three boundaries. Earlier, India lost opener Rohit Sharma early in chase of 231 set by Australia in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne cricket ground on Friday. With Shikhar Dhawan skipper Virat Kohli on the crease, India's score stands at 26 for the loss of one wicket after 10 overs. Earlier, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a fiery spell of bowling to clinch six wickets and restrict Australia for a mere 230 runs in the third and final ODI against India on Friday. The legspinner picked up 6 for 42 and was well supported by Bhuvi and Shami, who picked two each. Just when the hosts recovered from the early losses, Chahal clinched three wickets in quick intervals - of two set batsmen and another - to make India dominate the game. Both Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh were dismissed off Chahal while trying to hit a shot. While Marsh was stumped by MS Dhoni, Khawaja caught and bowl by the bowler. Marcus Stoinis was the third player to be dismissed by the right-arm leg spinner. However, it was Peter Handscomb crucial 58 runs that helped Australia revive their inning. He too was dismissed by Chahal at a point when he was all set to take the game away from the Men in Blue. Handscomb is also the highest scoring player with the bat as the rest nine failed to reach the fifty digit mark. Marsh contributed 39 runs and Khwaja made 34 before giving away their wickets. Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar too struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch early. He also took a brilliant catch of Glenn Maxwell to hand Shami his first wicket of the game. Apart from Kumar, Mohammed Shami also clinched two wickets and gave away 47 runs in his 9.4 overs bowled.

IND vs AUS, 3rd ODI: Virat Kohli's wicket bumps India's 231 chase

India lost openers Rohit Sharma and&nbsp;Shikhar Dhawan early in chase of 231 set by Australia in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne cricket ground on Friday.

India's score stands at 69 for the loss of two wickets after 19 overs.

Earlier, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a fiery spell of bowling to clinch six wickets and restrict Australia for a mere 230 runs in the third and final ODI against India on Friday.&nbsp;

The legspinner picked up 6 for 42 and was well supported by Bhuvi and Shami, who picked two each.&nbsp;

Just when the hosts recovered from the early losses, Chahal clinched three wickets in quick intervals - of two set batsmen and another - to make India dominate the game.&nbsp;

Both Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh were dismissed off Chahal while trying to hit a shot. While Marsh was stumped by MS Dhoni, Khawaja caught and bowl by the bowler. &nbsp;

Marcus Stoinis was the third player to be dismissed by the right-arm leg spinner. 
&nbsp; 
However, it was Peter Handscomb crucial 58 runs that helped Australia revive their inning. He too was dismissed by Chahal at a point when he was all set to take the game away from the Men in Blue. &nbsp;

Handscomb is also the highest scoring player with the bat as the rest nine failed to reach the fifty digit mark. Marsh contributed 39 runs and Khwaja made 34 before giving away their wickets. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar too struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch early. &nbsp;He also took a brilliant catch of Glenn Maxwell to hand Shami his first wicket of the game.&nbsp;

Apart from Kumar, Mohammed Shami also clinched two wickets and gave away 47 runs in his 9.4 overs bowled.

India lost openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan early in chase of 231 set by Australia in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne cricket ground on Friday. India's score stands at 69 for the loss of two wickets after 19 overs.

India lost openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan early in chase of 231 set by Australia in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne cricket ground on Friday. India's score stands at 69 for the loss of two wickets after 19 overs. Earlier, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal displayed a fiery spell of bowling to clinch six wickets and restrict Australia for a mere 230 runs in the third and final ODI against India on Friday. The legspinner picked up 6 for 42 and was well supported by Bhuvi and Shami, who picked two each. Just when the hosts recovered from the early losses, Chahal clinched three wickets in quick intervals - of two set batsmen and another - to make India dominate the game. Both Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh were dismissed off Chahal while trying to hit a shot. While Marsh was stumped by MS Dhoni, Khawaja caught and bowl by the bowler. Marcus Stoinis was the third player to be dismissed by the right-arm leg spinner. However, it was Peter Handscomb crucial 58 runs that helped Australia revive their inning. He too was dismissed by Chahal at a point when he was all set to take the game away from the Men in Blue. Handscomb is also the highest scoring player with the bat as the rest nine failed to reach the fifty digit mark. Marsh contributed 39 runs and Khwaja made 34 before giving away their wickets. Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar too struck twice after the rain break to dismiss Australian openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch early. He also took a brilliant catch of Glenn Maxwell to hand Shami his first wicket of the game. Apart from Kumar, Mohammed Shami also clinched two wickets and gave away 47 runs in his 9.4 overs bowled.

IND vs AUS, 3rd ODI: Rohit, Dhawan depart early in chase of 231

India will continue to target Australia's under-pressure openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch as they seek to add a one-day series win to their first ever Test series victory in the third and final match in Melbourne on Friday.&nbsp;

Carey and Finch's best opening partnership in the first two matches of the series is the 20 runs they achieved in Adelaide on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Carey, the team's vice-captain, has scored a total of 42 runs while captain Finch has tallied just 12 and been bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in both games of the series, which is locked at 1-1.&nbsp;

Finch was also dropped from the test squad after he struggled in that series and India have concentrated on the 32-year-old, who has 11 one-day international centuries and two in Twenty20 internationals.

"We respect that Finch is a great player ... we make sure our guard is up always," Indian opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan told reporters on Thursday.

"The boys must have seen his weakness and they are implementing their plans quite nicely. They're not giving him singles that easily or even boundary options.

"Once you're creating that pressure to a batsman, especially in limited overs, that batsman is going to do something extra or take more risk to rotate the strike or to score more runs. That's where we're having the opportunity."

Dhawan added that the pressure the bowlers were placing on the Australians at the top of the order meant they were not capitalising on the fielding restrictions during the first 10-over power-play.

Australia slumped to 41-2 in 9.5 overs in the first game in Sydney, while they were 38-2 after 10 overs in the second match in Adelaide, although that total was only boosted by scoring 11 runs in the 10th.

"Bhuvi (Kumar) is very experienced as well as (Mohammed) Shami," Dhawan said. "That's why in the first 10 overs we have been dominating."

Finch, however, said he had been reviewing footage of his dismissals in the series and comparing it to more successful periods, which has contributed to 3,430 one-day international runs at an average of 36.88.

"Maybe I've been too tentative in the last couple of games, letting a bit of pressure build up," Finch said.

"It's always a fine balance between attack and hanging in there and waiting for the right time to be aggressive and take on the game.

"I still feel that I'm a very good player ... 13 international hundreds suggests that I do know what's required."

India will continue to target Australia's under-pressure openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch as they seek to add a one-day series win to their first ever Test series victory in the third and final match in Melbourne on Friday.

India will continue to target Australia's under-pressure openers Alex Carey and Aaron Finch as they seek to add a one-day series win to their first ever Test series victory in the third and final match in Melbourne on Friday. Carey and Finch's best opening partnership in the first two matches of the series is the 20 runs they achieved in Adelaide on Tuesday. Carey, the team's vice-captain, has scored a total of 42 runs while captain Finch has tallied just 12 and been bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in both games of the series, which is locked at 1-1. Finch was also dropped from the test squad after he struggled in that series and India have concentrated on the 32-year-old, who has 11 one-day international centuries and two in Twenty20 internationals. "We respect that Finch is a great player ... we make sure our guard is up always," Indian opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan told reporters on Thursday. "The boys must have seen his weakness and they are implementing their plans quite nicely. They're not giving him singles that easily or even boundary options. "Once you're creating that pressure to a batsman, especially in limited overs, that batsman is going to do something extra or take more risk to rotate the strike or to score more runs. That's where we're having the opportunity." Dhawan added that the pressure the bowlers were placing on the Australians at the top of the order meant they were not capitalising on the fielding restrictions during the first 10-over power-play. Australia slumped to 41-2 in 9.5 overs in the first game in Sydney, while they were 38-2 after 10 overs in the second match in Adelaide, although that total was only boosted by scoring 11 runs in the 10th. "Bhuvi (Kumar) is very experienced as well as (Mohammed) Shami," Dhawan said. "That's why in the first 10 overs we have been dominating." Finch, however, said he had been reviewing footage of his dismissals in the series and comparing it to more successful periods, which has contributed to 3,430 one-day international runs at an average of 36.88. "Maybe I've been too tentative in the last couple of games, letting a bit of pressure build up," Finch said. "It's always a fine balance between attack and hanging in there and waiting for the right time to be aggressive and take on the game. "I still feel that I'm a very good player ... 13 international hundreds suggests that I do know what's required."

India must keep the pressure on Australia openers, says Shikhar Dhawan

Buoyant and self-assured in equal measure, India would be eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest when they take on the home team in the tour finale here Friday.&nbsp;

The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India won the second in Adelaide by six wickets.&nbsp;

The Men in Blue have never won a bilateral ODI contest on Australian soil, and their only two series' wins in this format have come in 1985 (World Championship of Cricket) and 2008 (CB Series).&nbsp;

In fact, this is only the second bilateral ODI series India have played in Australia, losing 4-1 in 2016 when they toured here last.&nbsp;

Also, by winning this third ODI in Melbourne, India will finish the current 2018-19 tour without having lost a series here. They have previously drawn the T20I series 1-1, and then went on to record a historic first-ever Test series win here by a 2-1 margin.&nbsp;

While India will take winning momentum into this third ODI, their only worry at the moment is the fifth bowling option.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Watch:&nbsp;

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So far in the series, senior pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami have been impressive, while the two left-arm spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have provided control and breakthroughs in the middle overs.&nbsp;

In the absence of Hardik Pandya, India have used a full-time seamer as their fifth bowling option both at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Adelaide Oval.&nbsp;

Khaleel Ahmed (0-55) and Mohammed Siraj (0-76) though failed to impress in their singular outings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It becomes a particularly crucial aspect considering that India will go in with the same batting line-up as in the first two matches. With Virat Kohli not keen on bowling Ambati Rayudu again in the series, they need to get their five-bowler attack right on the money.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> looking in great touch here at the nets session ahead of the 3rd and final ODI against Australia. 
 
What's your prediction for the game? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/WLbZP78Lii">pic.twitter.com/WLbZP78Lii</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1085763649027723264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Seam bowling all-rounder Vijay Shankar and leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal are in contention and both had a rigorous workout during the optional training session on Thursday at the MCG.&nbsp;

Shankar provides the third seam bowling option, and as an extra batsman, elongates the batting line-up. However, the argument against Shankar is whether the Indian team management can trust him enough to deliver 10 overs on ODI debut.&nbsp;

Siraj struggled to do so and Kohli was left wondering how he would bowl him for a last three-over spell. This is where Chahal might prove to be a more reliable option, even if India have to play two pacers and three spinners.&nbsp;

The bigger boundaries at the MCG, and Chahal's ability to bowl economical and attacking spells as well as use the new ball within the first 10 overs, might be a factor in his favour.&nbsp;

If Kohli does pick Shankar for his ODI debut, it would disturb the set batting line-up and make space for Kedar Jadhav. The fifth bowler's 10 overs can then be divided between Jadhav and Shankar. This move would mean one of Ambati Rayudu or Dinesh Karthik will be left out.&nbsp;

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It's time for the series decider tomorrow here at the 'G. 
 
Will <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> clinch the series? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/dLx7fg2qUp">pic.twitter.com/dLx7fg2qUp</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1085733479961128960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Karthik was handy in finishing the second ODI, while Rayudu has been rusty but seen as India's favoured number four option, making this a tough decision for the Indian captain.&nbsp;

Rayudu was part of the small group that took part in optional training on Thursday, along with Shankar, Chahal, Jadhav, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Shikhar Dhawan.&nbsp;

Dhoni's form, which has been a constant concern for a while now, has been decent so far and he has two consecutive half centuries to draw confidence from.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Australia, on the other hand, will be worried about lack of runs from their opening duo, Finch and Alex Carey, with their middle-order having to do the bull work in the last two matches.&nbsp;

The home team made two changes from Adelaide. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa came in for off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who couldn't pick a wicket in the first two ODIs, while pacer Jason Behrendorff was ruled out owing to a sore back.&nbsp;

Billy Stanlake is his replacement, while all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been ignored again.&nbsp;

Finch said even though he was dropped, Lyon has been impressive in the manner he bowled in the first two games.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The way Lyon bowled has been really impressive. Adelaide has a short square boundary, but he was quite impressive. His role was pretty important. He will get rewarded eventually," he said.&nbsp;

Australia have won nine out of the 14 ODIs played against India at the MCG, and it should inspire them on Friday as they are still on the cusp of winning their first ODI series since January 2017.&nbsp;

Palying XI:

India: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Vijay Shankar.&nbsp;

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (wk), Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.&nbsp;

Buoyant and self-assured in equal measure, India would be eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest when they take on the home team in the tour finale here Friday.

Buoyant and self-assured in equal measure, India would be eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest when they take on the home team in the tour finale here Friday. The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India won the second in Adelaide by six wickets. The Men in Blue have never won a bilateral ODI contest on Australian soil, and their only two series' wins in this format have come in 1985 (World Championship of Cricket) and 2008 (CB Series). In fact, this is only the second bilateral ODI series India have played in Australia, losing 4-1 in 2016 when they toured here last. Also, by winning this third ODI in Melbourne, India will finish the current 2018-19 tour without having lost a series here. They have previously drawn the T20I series 1-1, and then went on to record a historic first-ever Test series win here by a 2-1 margin. While India will take winning momentum into this third ODI, their only worry at the moment is the fifth bowling option. Also Watch: × So far in the series, senior pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami have been impressive, while the two left-arm spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have provided control and breakthroughs in the middle overs. In the absence of Hardik Pandya, India have used a full-time seamer as their fifth bowling option both at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Adelaide Oval. Khaleel Ahmed (0-55) and Mohammed Siraj (0-76) though failed to impress in their singular outings. It becomes a particularly crucial aspect considering that India will go in with the same batting line-up as in the first two matches. With Virat Kohli not keen on bowling Ambati Rayudu again in the series, they need to get their five-bowler attack right on the money. .@msdhoni looking in great touch here at the nets session ahead of the 3rd and final ODI against Australia. What's your prediction for the game? #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/WLbZP78Lii — BCCI (@BCCI) January 17, 2019 × Seam bowling all-rounder Vijay Shankar and leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal are in contention and both had a rigorous workout during the optional training session on Thursday at the MCG. Shankar provides the third seam bowling option, and as an extra batsman, elongates the batting line-up. However, the argument against Shankar is whether the Indian team management can trust him enough to deliver 10 overs on ODI debut. Siraj struggled to do so and Kohli was left wondering how he would bowl him for a last three-over spell. This is where Chahal might prove to be a more reliable option, even if India have to play two pacers and three spinners. The bigger boundaries at the MCG, and Chahal's ability to bowl economical and attacking spells as well as use the new ball within the first 10 overs, might be a factor in his favour. If Kohli does pick Shankar for his ODI debut, it would disturb the set batting line-up and make space for Kedar Jadhav. The fifth bowler's 10 overs can then be divided between Jadhav and Shankar. This move would mean one of Ambati Rayudu or Dinesh Karthik will be left out. It's time for the series decider tomorrow here at the 'G. Will #TeamIndia clinch the series? #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/dLx7fg2qUp — BCCI (@BCCI) January 17, 2019 × Karthik was handy in finishing the second ODI, while Rayudu has been rusty but seen as India's favoured number four option, making this a tough decision for the Indian captain. Rayudu was part of the small group that took part in optional training on Thursday, along with Shankar, Chahal, Jadhav, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Shikhar Dhawan. Dhoni's form, which has been a constant concern for a while now, has been decent so far and he has two consecutive half centuries to draw confidence from. Australia, on the other hand, will be worried about lack of runs from their opening duo, Finch and Alex Carey, with their middle-order having to do the bull work in the last two matches. The home team made two changes from Adelaide. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa came in for off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who couldn't pick a wicket in the first two ODIs, while pacer Jason Behrendorff was ruled out owing to a sore back. Billy Stanlake is his replacement, while all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been ignored again. Finch said even though he was dropped, Lyon has been impressive in the manner he bowled in the first two games. "The way Lyon bowled has been really impressive. Adelaide has a short square boundary, but he was quite impressive. His role was pretty important. He will get rewarded eventually," he said. Australia have won nine out of the 14 ODIs played against India at the MCG, and it should inspire them on Friday as they are still on the cusp of winning their first ODI series since January 2017. Palying XI: India: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Vijay Shankar. Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (wk), Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

India vs Australia, 3rd ODI: India eye perfect finish to historic tour

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