Key events
Preamble
Martin Pegan
Hello and welcome to live coverage of the first T20 international between Australia and India at a sold out Manuka Oval in Canberra. Australia were quick out of the blocks in the three-match ODI series between the same sides with a pair of comprehensive victories before Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma signed off in style in the final 50-over game.
India have a much more ominous record against Australia in T20s with seven wins in their past eight meetings in the format stretching back three years. The most recent of those losses might still sting Australia as India knocked them out of the T20 World Cup last year.
Australia and India now have an eye on the next edition of the 20-over showpiece event starting in February next year with this the first of five T20s in the series between the powerhouse sides. The tourists will be bolstered by the addition to the squad of Jasprit Bumrah, who terrorised Australia in the Test series last summer, while the hosts boast a strong batting lineup.
First ball will be at 7.15pm local time in Canberra and AEDT / 1.45pm IDT. The toss and team news will be coming up shortly. Meanwhile, let us know your thoughts and predictions – shoot me an email or find me @martinpegan on Bluesky or X. Let’s get into it!
