India vs Australia 3rd T20I: Team Selection Faces Scrutiny Before Hobart Match

Basio badr

ago 15 hours

India vs Australia 3rd T20I: Team Selection Faces Scrutiny Before Hobart Match

India will face Australia in the third T20I at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart, raising significant questions about their team selection. The previous match in Melbourne highlighted weaknesses in India’s batting lineup, particularly against fast bowling. India struggled to set a competitive target, bowled out for 125 runs, while Australia chased it down comfortably.

Concerns Over Team Selection

Head coach Suryakumar Yadav’s squad faces scrutiny following the team’s decisions regarding the playing XI. In spite of being India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, Arshdeep Singh was left out in the last match. His absence, despite favorable conditions for fast bowlers, has sparked debate about the team’s approach to selection.

Suryakumar Yadav’s approach faces criticism.
Arshdeep Singh’s exclusion raises eyebrows.
Harshit Rana’s batting position was questioned.

Current Conditions Favor Fast Bowling

With the early Australian summer providing pace-friendly pitches, leaving out a specialist like Singh may be a critical misstep. The previous match’s decision to send all-rounder Shivam Dube in at No. 8 without him bowling is also highly questionable. It could be more effective to include a dedicated batter like Rinku Singh to strengthen the batting order against pace.

Australia’s Roster Changes

In contrast, Australia will adjust their lineup without Josh Hazlewood, who is preparing for the upcoming Ashes series. His replacement, 20-year-old Mahli Beardman, is known for his rapid bowling, consistently reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h. While his debut is uncertain, he represents a significant prospect for Australia’s future.

Additionally, Glenn Maxwell returns to Australia’s squad after recovering from a wrist injury. He is expected to enhance the middle order with his explosive batting style.

Match Details

Date	Time (IST)	Venue
November 2, 2025	1:45 PM	Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Pitch and Weather Report

The Bellerive Oval pitch is known for its unpredictable nature, yielding both high and low scores. Windy conditions can add difficulty for batters, yet small boundaries often lead to high totals when the weather permits. A competitive score on this pitch is expected to be around 160 to 170 runs, with clear weather predicted for match day.