Brisbane, Nov 8 (UNI) India handed a recall to Rinku Singh in place of Tilak Varma as Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to bowl in the fifth and final T20 International at the Gabba.
With the series at 2-1 in India’s favour, the visitors are eyeing a strong finish to clinch the T20I series in Australia. Marsh said his side was keen to draw the series at a venue where Australia have lost only once in eight T20Is since 2006.
“Looks a good surface. Great to play at this stadium. Certainly a chance to draw the series. Both teams have played some great cricket,” he said.
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav said he was pleased with the team’s execution so far and stressed on flexibility in batting order. “Until you’re winning the game and losing the toss, it’s fine. One change today — Tilak Varma is resting, Rinku Singh comes in,” he said.
Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, assessing the pitch, noted visible cracks and grass that could assist the new-ball bowlers. The weather forecast predicted possible evening storms, but officials remained hopeful of a full contest.
India’s spin-heavy attack, led by Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, will again look to exploit Australian conditions, while Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh shoulder the pace duties.
Playing XIs
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Matthew Short, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Josh Philippe, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa
IIndia: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
