India vs Australia 3rd T20I: Playing XI and Match Preview

After Australia’s dominant win in Melbourne, the five-match T20I series moves south to Hobart, where the third game will be played at the scenic Ninja Stadium, also known as Bellerive Oval. The hosts lead the series 1-0 following their four-wicket victory in the second T20I, and will now look to tighten their grip on the contest. India, on the other hand, will aim to bounce back strongly after a disappointing batting performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The first T20I in Canberra was washed out after just nine overs, leaving fans frustrated. However, the second game offered plenty of action. India posted a below-par 125 before Australia chased it down in 13.2 overs, courtesy of a brisk 46 from Mitchell Marsh and a disciplined spell by Josh Hazlewood, who took 3 for 13. As both sides now regroup in Hobart, the series narrative is finely poised, with India eager to turn their aggressive intent into execution and Australia keen to maintain their dominance on home soil.

What’s the Context of the IND vs AUS 3rd T20I?

The third T20I at Bellerive Oval carries extra significance for both teams. For India, it’s an opportunity to level the series and regain momentum ahead of the remaining two matches. For Australia, a win in Hobart would give them an unassailable advantage, putting them on the brink of another home series victory.

India’s batting struggled in Melbourne, apart from Abhishek Sharma’s quickfire 68 and a fighting 35 from Harshit Rana. The middle order collapsed under pressure, with none of the established players converting starts. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has emphasised the need for composure and intent in the middle overs. The inclusion of experienced names like Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma adds stability, while Jasprit Bumrah’s form with the ball remains a major positive.

Australia, meanwhile, have been consistent across departments. Marsh continues to lead from the front with the bat, Travis Head’s form remains ominous, and their bowling attack, led by Nathan Ellis and Josh Hazlewood, has shown precision and variety. Glenn Maxwell’s return for the Hobart leg gives the hosts more firepower in the middle order and another spin option.

India’s Probable XI against Australia for the 3rd T20I

Shubman Gill
India’s vice captain has been in fine touch this series, though he has yet to make a big impact. Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to control the tempo, Gill’s role in giving India a steady start will be crucial. With 747 runs in 30 T20Is at a strike rate over 140, he’ll look to provide consistency at the top.

Abhishek Sharma
The left hander has been India’s standout performer so far, scoring a counterattacking 68 off 37 balls in Melbourne. His aggressive intent during the Powerplay sets the tone for India’s batting approach under coach Gautam Gambhir. Abhishek has 936 runs in 26 matches at a strike rate of 200 and will once again be India’s X factor.

Suryakumar Yadav (C)
The skipper remains the heartbeat of India’s T20 setup. Though he fell cheaply in the last game, his 360-degree stroke play and calm leadership continue to inspire confidence. With 2710 runs in 92 T20Is at a strike rate of 160, SKY will look to anchor the innings and lead India’s revival.

Tilak Varma
A composed presence in the middle order, Tilak Varma provides balance and adaptability. His ability to handle spin and rotate strike makes him vital on slower pitches like Hobart’s. With 962 runs in 34 T20Is and a strike rate of 150, he remains one of India’s most dependable young batters.

Sanju Samson (WK)
Samson’s explosiveness and range make him a dynamic middle-order option. Capable of switching gears instantly, he brings power and versatility behind the stumps as well. With 995 runs in 51 T20Is at a strike rate near 150, Samson will be key if India aim for a big finish.

Shivam Dube
Dube adds balance as an all-rounder, offering power hitting and the ability to bowl medium pace. His finishing role will be critical in the death overs, especially if India bat first. Dube has 585 runs and 18 wickets in 43 matches, making him a multi-dimensional asset.

Harshit Rana
A promising youngster who impressed in Melbourne with both bat and ball. His fighting 35 in the lower order gave India some respectability, and his pace variations can trouble Australian batters. Rana’s confidence and energy have earned him another opportunity.

Axar Patel
Reliable and disciplined, Axar continues to play the role of a control bowler and lower order finisher. His accuracy in middle overs can restrict scoring, and his batting has improved significantly. In 78 T20Is, he has 77 wickets and nearly 600 runs.

Varun Chakravarthy
The mystery spinner’s variations can be a major factor on Hobart’s slow surface. His ability to outfox batters who try to go after him makes him a valuable inclusion. With 42 wickets in 26 T20Is, Varun brings an element of unpredictability.

Kuldeep Yadav
India’s strike spinner and wicket taker, Kuldeep has a knack for breaking partnerships that remains unmatched. With 88 wickets in 49 matches, he’ll aim to exploit the larger boundaries in Hobart.

Jasprit Bumrah
India’s pace spearhead continues to deliver with precision and intensity. His yorkers and variations at the death are second to none, and he will be India’s biggest weapon against Australia’s powerful top order. Closing in on 100 T20 International wickets for India, he is shy of 2 scalps to reach that landmark.

Australia’s Probable XI against India for the 3rd T20I

Mitchell Marsh (C)
The captain has been in imperious form, leading from the front with quick starts and tactical awareness. With 2042 T20I runs and his ability to play both anchor and aggressor roles, Marsh remains Australia’s key man.

Travis Head
Head’s explosive batting has been a headache for India. His power hitting in the Powerplay and fearless intent can shift momentum quickly. With 1191 runs in 46 T20Is at a strike rate of 150, he will look to continue his dominance.

Josh Inglis
Inglis brings versatility to the middle order. His ability to handle spin and accelerate in the middle overs makes him a valuable link between the top and lower orders. He has two centuries and two fifties in just 37 matches and 898 runs to his name.

Tim David
Known for his devastating finishing, David’s brute power allows him to clear boundaries even on larger Australian grounds. With 1508 runs in 65 matches at a strike rate near 170, he’s among the most dangerous hitters in T20 cricket.

Josh Philippe (WK)
Still early in his international career, Philippe offers attacking flair and wicketkeeping depth. His aggressive style in domestic cricket is his biggest strength, and he’ll aim to make an impact.

Glenn Maxwell
Returning to the T20I setup, Maxwell brings experience, innovation, and match winning ability. His off spin and fielding add balance, while his batting remains a threat at any stage. He has 5 T20I centuries and nearly 3000 runs at a strike rate of 156.

Mitchell Owen
The young all-rounder adds depth and flexibility to Australia’s lower order. His clean hitting and pace bowling make him an exciting prospect.

Xavier Bartlett
A promising right-arm pacer with the ability to swing the ball early. Bartlett’s control and discipline have made him a reliable new-ball bowler in domestic cricket.

Nathan Ellis
Ellis continues to impress with his variations and accuracy at the death. With 44 wickets in 29 matches, he’s one of the most dependable modern T20 bowlers.

Matthew Kuhnemann
A left-arm spinner who provides variation, Kuhnemann can be effective on Hobart’s slower surfaces if used strategically.

Mahli Beardman
Another exciting pace talent, Beardman adds fresh energy to the attack with his raw pace and bounce.

Pitch Report & Weather Conditions

Bellerive Oval is known for its slow but balanced surface. The pitch tends to favour batters as the match progresses, though seamers can extract movement in the early overs. The average first innings score is between 158 and 160, and teams batting first have won just over half the games here.

Fast bowlers usually perform better than spinners, while off break bowlers tend to be expensive. Boundaries are relatively short on one side, encouraging aggressive batting once players get set. Weather in Hobart is expected to be cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 12°C and 20°C. Dew might influence the second innings, making chasing slightly easier.

Match Prediction – Who Has the Upper Hand?

Australia currently holds the edge, riding high on confidence after their win in Melbourne. Their depth in batting, led by Marsh and Head, and their sharp bowling attack make them favorites. Glenn Maxwell’s return further strengthens their middle order.

However, India’s intent under Suryakumar Yadav remains fearless. If their top order clicks and Bumrah strikes early, they could level the series. The key for India will be middle order stability and efficient bowling in the Powerplay.

Expect a competitive contest in Hobart, but given Australia’s familiarity with conditions and recent form, they start as slight favorites.

FAQs About IND vs AUS Playing XI

Q1: Who are the key players for India and Australia?

For India, Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah remain crucial, while Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell are key for Australia.