We are just more than two months away from the beginning of the much-awaited Australia vs India five-match Test series - the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. Former Australian captain Steven Smith recently talked about former Indian captain Virat Kohli. 

Virat Kohli and Steven Smith are considered among the greatest batters in the modern generation. They are in the “Fab Four” group along with English star Joe Root and New Zealand legend Kane Williamson. 

Kohli is known for aggressive behaviour on the cricket field. However, he is known for his very friendly nature off the field, as he has very good relations with many international cricketers. 

SEE ALSO: Why Muralitharan believes his 800 Test wickets record unbreakable

Virat Kohli is a great guy and obviously a wonderful player: Steven Smith

Recently, talking about Kohli, Steven Smith opened up his relationship with the former Indian captain. Smith clarified that they had good relationships, as they frequently shared messages.  

Praising Kohli, Smith told Star Sports, "We get on quite well, share messages every now and again. Look, he is a great guy and obviously a wonderful player. So, it is going to be nice to come up against him again this summer." 

I believe Virat Kohli is Australian in thoughts and action: Steven Smith

Talking about Kohli’s nature, Smith feels that the former Indian skipper is the most Australian among the Indian players. 

Smith claimed, “I believe Virat Kohli is Australian in thoughts and action. The way he gets into a battle, the way he gets into the challenge and tries to get on top of the opposition. He’s probably the most Australian of the Indian players, I’d say.”

There is no real need to beat him or anything like that: Steven Smith

Smith has scored 9685 runs in 109 Tests with an average of 56.95. Meanwhile, Kohli has scored 8848 runs in 113 Tests with an average of 49.15. Kohli has hit 29 Test centuries, and Smith has recorded 32 Test hundreds.

Talking about the India vs Australia Test rivalry, both Smith and Kohli have scored 2042 Test runs in 37 and 44 Test innings, respectively. 

While cricket fans see them in the modern-generation “Fab Four” competition, Smith has only the target to achieve success for his team. 

The former Aussie captain said, "There is no real need to beat him or anything like that. It is just about going out and playing and trying to score as many runs as I can and helping Australia have success. That is what it's all about." 

The five-match Test series between Australia and India will begin on November 22 at Perth. Both Kohli and Smith will play important roles for their respective teams to win this crucial Test series. 

The ‘Fabulous 4’ or the ‘Fab 4’ term started from the fantabulous performances coming from the willows of Virat Kohli (India), Steve Smith (Australia), Kane Williamson (New Zealand) and Joe Root (England) when they donned their white uniforms. Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe coined this terminology and used the nickname ‘Fab 4’. Crowe predicted in one of his August 2014 columns for ESPNcricinfo that all four members of the ‘Fab 4’ comprising the above mentioned four, who would become future cricketing leaders of their respective nations.

And to no one’s surprise, his predictions did come true, and all four players have displayed their top-class calibre, not just with the bat but also with the captaincy hat. The former Kiwi skipper, Kane Williamson, is stepping down from the New Zealand central contract after a disastrous stint in the recent 2024 T20 World Cup. This news marks the end of the Fab-4 or an era of pure cricketing display with the bat and captaincy. Though all the players still have some game within them, some aspects like the test captaincy would be dearly missed by the fanatics. Here’s a simple and noteworthy summation of the ‘Fab-4’, making it an ode to providing some memorable cricketing displays.

Virat Kohli

Though Martin Crowe predicted the staggering growth of Fab-4 in mid-2014, the unboxing happened lately in the 2015-16 period. Virat Kohli has been one of the batting legends in the red-ball format, who helped the Indian cricket team to be fearless and resilient in the toughest away conditions. His sheer calibre, aggression and intent have helped the team set high benchmarks in test cricket.

To briefly update his red ball stats, he has captained over 68 matches by winning over a phenomenal 40 games, losing 17 matches and just one match being a draw. With his MRF willow, Kohli has scored 8848 runs in 191 innings, at a commendable ongoing average of 49.16. And a majority of the runs have come from the tough and challenging away matches, symbolising his gameplay. He has 30 fifties, 29 centuries and seven massive double-century innings in his red-ball stint. And with big upcoming matches, there is no stoppage for one of the best Indian test captains.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith’s cricketing journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. He began as a leg-break bowler, a role he performed with skill, but fate had other plans for the Aussie player. Known for his unique stance, Smith has been the reliable backbone of the Australian Cricket team. His calm and intelligent demeanour on-field and unique playing style have been his unique selling point. His tenure as a red-ball captain was commendable, with 21 wins, 10 losses, and seven draws out of 38 matches.

During his peak in the 2015-17 period, he was known for having the best and most consistent batting average, which almost reached 70. However, the unfortunate 2018 ball-tampering scandal, which led to his suspension from international cricket, has hindered his captaincy stint. He is now focused on contributing with the bat to the fullest. His ongoing test stint has seen him amass 9685 runs in 195 innings, averaging 56.97. He has 41 half-centuries, 32 centuries, and four double-centuries.

Also Read: Player Analysis: The Enduring Legacy of James Anderson’s 21-Year Test Career

Kane Williamson

Though the Fab-4’s inception came from the batting performance point of view, the captaincy aspect acted as the cherry on top. One man who symbolised the enigma of being cool, calm and composed is the Kiwi batter, Kane Williamson. The former New Zealand skipper has been a part of many final stages of the ICC tournaments, with the 2019 CWC final and the 2021 T20 WC final, naming a few. But, the memorable moment of his illustrious and ongoing cricketing journey would be the big triumph against India in the first-ever World Test Championship title match, held in 2021. His 44 test match captaincy stint garnered him 22 wins, 10 losses and 12 draw results.

Williamson is one of the players from the Fab-4 list who has successfully maintained consistency across all the formats. But, with his recent disastrous performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, he has stepped down from the New Zealand Cricket Central Contract, almost ending his illustrious captaincy stint. In terms of numbers in the test format, Williamson has played the lowest number of matches out of the rest, where in just 176 innings, Williamson made a colossal 8743 runs, with an average of 54.99. In addition, the former Blackcaps’ skipper has 34 half-centuries, 32 centuries and six double-centuries.

Joe Root

Joe Root has been a batter touted as having the potential to overtake the test records of the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar. His classy stance and shot selection have been the pivotal aspects of his batting for the English side. Root has been a go-to man across the ODI & Test Formats. His decent attacking yet impactful batting has been the prime context to check out amongst the cricket fanatics. Having a kickstart to his peak from 2014, Root has been at its best in maintaining the same consistency.

Though the new BazBall format in England’s side only synchronises a little with Joe Root’s approach, he has unleashed his attacking side in crucial times and harnessed victories for the team. Coming to the stat numbers in the red-ball game, he has made a colossal 11940 runs in 260 innings, with an average of 49.96. By playing the most matches in this list, he has also made 62 half-centuries, 32 centuries and five double-centuries. Also, his decent test-match captaincy stint of 64 matches got him 27 wins, 26 losses and 11 draw results.

In what could have been a high-scoring thriller, the fifth match of the 2024 Cognizant Major League Cricket between Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings was washed out due to rain, leaving both teams to share a point each at Church Street Park in Morrisville. The anticipated clash promised fireworks from some of the league’s most prolific batters, highlighting the competitive spirit and high stakes of the season.

Despite the weather’s intervention, the tournament has already seen some remarkable performances, Let’s deep dive into the top impactful batters of the season so far, particularly in the context of Adjusted Boundary Rate (aBR). This is cricket analytics metric provides a deeper insight into a batter’s efficiency, measuring how many fewer balls they take to hit a boundary compared to other top-quality batters in the season.

See Also: IND vs ZIM: Match Analysis: What led to the collapse of India’s young guns on Harare’s Spin-friendly track?

Top Performers: Leading Batters in Adjusted Boundary Rate (aBR)

Leading the charge is Matt Short, who tops the aBR chart with a remarkable -3.1, showcasing his exceptional ability to find the boundary with ease. In the league so far, Short has delivered a match-winning 58-run knock at a blistering strike rate of 223.08. Following closely behind him is Steve Smith, who holds the second position with an aBR of -2.6. Smith has played two innings in the league, amassing 72 runs with an impressive strike rate of 175.61, including six towering sixes.

Rounding out the top three is Faf du Plessis with an aBR of -2.5. Faf has accumulated 114 runs in the league, highlighted by a massive 100-run knock in a recent game. These performances not only illustrate their individual brilliance but also highlight the critical role of aBR in assessing batting efficiency and impact. Their ability to consistently find the boundary and accelerate scoring makes them key figures in the 2024 Major League Cricket season, underscoring the depth of talent and competition in the league.

A few other players who feature prominently on the leaderboard are Finn Allen, Andre Russell, and Shakib Al Hasan. Finn Allen, with an aBR of -2.24, recently delivered a match-defining knock of 63 runs at a strike rate of 170.27. His aggressive approach and ability to find the boundary have been crucial for his team. Andre Russell, known for his explosive batting, holds an aBR of -2.06. In the league so far, Russell has scored 50 runs across two innings, hitting seven boundaries in total, demonstrating his knack for accelerating the scoring rate.

Another standout performer is Russell’s teammate from LAKR, Shakib Al Hasan, who has an aBR of -2.02. Shakib has scored 53 runs in his two innings, showcasing his consistency and ability to contribute valuable runs in the middle order. These players have not only made significant contributions to their teams but have also highlighted the importance of Adjusted Boundary Rate in evaluating batting efficiency. Their performances add depth and excitement to the league, underlining the competitive nature and the high standards set by the players in the 2024 Major League Cricket season.

The Adjusted Boundary Rate (aBR) metric plays a pivotal role in understanding and evaluating batting performance in T20 cricket. By measuring how many fewer balls a batter takes to hit a boundary compared to other top-quality batters in the season, aBR provides a nuanced insight into a player’s efficiency and impact. This metric highlights those who can consistently and effectively accelerate scoring, making them invaluable assets to their teams.

The current leaderboard, led by Matt Short, Steve Smith, and Faf du Plessis, reflects the players’ exceptional abilities to dominate the opposition and alter the course of matches. As the season progresses, the dynamic nature of T20 cricket ensures that the rankings can shift, and we will return with another analysis in the coming weeks to track any changes to the leaderboard. The ongoing performances promise exciting updates, showcasing the evolving prowess of the league’s top batters.

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The second season of Major League Cricket (MLC 2024) is just about 24 hours away, and it’s set to capture the attention of avid cricket followers, especially after the impressive performance of the US team in the T20 World Cup 2024. As the excitement builds, we’ve already taken a deep dive into the squads of the participating teams. In this article, we focus on Washington Freedom, a team that showed promise last season.

Washington Freedom finished third in the points table last year but faced a disappointing exit after being defeated in the Eliminator by MI-New York, who went on to become the champions. With new recruits onboard and a stronger-looking squad this season, Washington Freedom is determined to surpass their previous performance. They aim not just to make it further in the tournament but to lift their maiden MLC title, showcasing their growth and resilience as a competitive cricketing force.

See Also: T20 WC 2024: Player Analysis: Why is Jasprit Bumrah so difficult to figure out?

In-depth Analysis of Washington Freedom‘s Team Form

The Washington Freedom have bolstered their squad with a variety of high-quality overseas recruits ahead of the MLC 2024 season, adding both depth and versatility to their lineup. These additions will provide the team with the flexibility to tailor their playing XI based on the strengths of their opposition and the specific playing conditions they encounter. With seasoned international stars and emerging talents, Washington Freedom appears well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the new season.

At the top of the order, the experience and stability of Steven Smith, Travis Head, and Rachin Ravindra will be invaluable. These players bring a wealth of international experience and a proven track record of performance under pressure. Their presence will ensure a solid foundation, allowing the middle order to build on their starts. In the middle order, the explosive batting of Glenn Maxwell and Andries Gous promises to provide the necessary firepower. Maxwell’s ability to turn games around with his aggressive stroke play, combined with Gous’s attacking mindset, makes for a potent combination that can accelerate the scoring rate at crucial junctures.

In the bowling department, Washington Freedom has assembled a formidable unit. Akeal Hosein will lead the spin attack, offering control and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. The pace battery, featuring Lockie Ferguson, Andre Tye, and Marco Jansen, adds a blend of speed, accuracy, and variation. Ferguson’s express pace, Tye’s clever variations, and Jansen’s left-arm angle provide a comprehensive arsenal to tackle any batting lineup. Overall, Washington Freedom’s strategic signings and balanced squad position them as strong contenders, ready to adapt to various conditions and opposition, embodying a ‘horses for courses’ approach.

Akeal Hosein will spearhead the team’s spin department, carrying the primary responsibility of controlling the opposition during the middle overs and picking up crucial wickets. While Hosein’s skill and leadership are undeniable, the squad lacks depth in experienced spin options, which could present a challenge as the tournament progresses.

To address this gap, the skipper will need to rely on the versatile Glenn Maxwell, who can provide useful overs with his off-spin. Additionally, Rachin Ravindra’s part-time spin will be crucial in supporting Hosein and offering some variation in the attack. Despite the lack of specialist spinners, the team will have to strategically utilize these resources to maintain pressure and balance during the middle phases of the game.

See Also: T20 WC 2024: Player Analysis: How did Rohit Sharma decimate Australia’s bowling attack?

Australia recently wrapped up a T20I series against West Indies, clinching victory with a 2-1 score despite missing key players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Steve Smith. However, as the team prepares for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, reports suggest that Smith’s spot in the squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is uncertain.

Uncertainty surrounding…

While Smith performed well in the recent Big Bash League, securing his spot in the T20 format, reports indicate that his place in the World Cup squad is at risk. Despite boasting a strong T20I record with 1079 runs in 65 matches, including five fifties, the competition for opening positions is fierce, with Travis Head and skipper Mitchell Marsh ahead of him in the pecking order.

Aaron Finch gives opinion on Steve Smith’s inclusion

Smith’s last T20I appearance was in November 2023 against India, where he scored just 90 runs in the five-match series. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch, who led the team to victory in 2021, has also expressed doubts about including Smith in the T20I squad, opting instead for players like David Warner, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh.

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This decision has raised eyebrows, leaving fans wondering whether Smith will secure a place in the squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. If he fails to impress against the Kiwis, his spot in the team for the T20 World Cup in June could be in jeopardy, adding uncertainty to Australia’s lineup for the prestigious tournament.

Australian batter Steven Smith has suggested Hardik Pandya simply “block out” the trolls and the abuse he has been getting from fans at the IPL so far as well. However, ever since he has replaced Rohit Sharma as the Mumbai Indians captain, fans abused him a lot. It increased following their two back-to-back defeats in the ongoing IPL 2024 as well.

Smith, however, said that Hardik Pandya needed support from his teammates at Mumbai Indians, including from Rohit Sharma.

“I’d try and just say, to block it out, it’s all irrelevant,” Smith said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. “No one outside knows what you are going through. No one [from outside] is in that change room.”

Hardik Pandya faces backlash from fans

However, Steve Smith suggested that Hardik Pandya might have been surprised at the reception because it is not always India’s top players faced by fans as well.

“So is it affecting him [Hardik]? Maybe. It’s possible. He probably hasn’t experienced that before in, in any walk of life. So it’s natural, I suppose, and particularly being in India and a star Indian player, to be in that position where some fans are booing you, it’s certainly something he wouldn’t have experienced.”

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However, for Mumbai Indians, it has been a poor start so far in IPL 2024, where they first faced a defeat to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, and then in Hyderabad where Sunrisers Hyderabad registered the highest IPL total as well, which Mumbai lost by 31 runs. Smith also said that while he could understand the Ahmedabad crowd abused Hardik as he left Titans to rejoin Mumbai Indians. However, he failed to get the “context” of why the Indian all-rounder faced all the trolls in Hyderabad as well.

“Hardik is in the middle of a challenging time, losing the first two games their IPL season. It’s a big one for him. He’s filling big shoes with Rohit Sharma, who’s been the most successful captain [with Dhoni] in IPL history, lifting five titles, and it hasn’t started well for him. So he’s under a little bit of pressure at the moment and it’ll be interesting to see what the reception’s like in their first home game at Wankhede in a couple of days’ time,” he shared.

“I’m sure he is going to learn from that” – Steve Smith on Hardik Pandya

“We have heard a few boos going around at the grounds, which… that’s been disappointing from my aspect. But I’m intrigued to see what the reception’s like in Mumbai. We know how big a star Rohit is and how much he is loved inside that stadium,” he again stated.

“I’m sure he is going to learn from that. As a captain, you have to have plans in place for the start of the game. And clearly the plan was to bowl Bumrah straight up to Heinrich Klassen. But you’ve got to shift your plans when things aren’t going well. And it didn’t look like they shifted. They sort of just kept doing the same thing. It was a bit of a blunder in his first outings,” Steve Smith concluded.

Following a dip in Steven Smith’s performance, Joe Root has risen to the 2nd spot in the ICC Test batting rankings, trailing behind Kane Williamson of New Zealand. Smith’s recent struggles saw him drop below 800 points for the first time since 2014, benefiting Root who showcased his form with a century against India in Ranchi last month.

Smith’s decline coincides with his new role as Australia’s Test opener, with scores of 31 and 0 in the recent Test against New Zealand further contributing to his fall. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne, another former top-ranked batter, exits the top ten after a dismal performance, alongside Tr

Root Surges, Smith Slips: Dramatic Changes in ICC Test Rankings

In contrast, India’s batters see an upward trend, with Yashaswi Jaiswal breaking into the top ten for the first time amid his impressive series against England. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also make gains in the rankings, despite Kohli’s absence from recent matches due to the birth of his child.

Cameron Green emerges as a significant climber in the batting rankings after his match-winning 174 not out against New Zealand, catapulting him 22 places to 23rd position. Meanwhile, Williamson maintains his lead with a comfortable margin over Root, thanks to his exceptional record of seven centuries in his last eight Tests.

SEE ALSO: IND vs ENG: Mark Wood takes place of Ollie Robinson in England’s confirmed XI for 5th test

On the bowling front, Nathan Lyon’s stellar performance against New Zealand propels him to 6th place in the rankings, while Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry also see notable improvements. Additionally, Ireland’s maiden Test victory against Afghanistan brings positive movements in the rankings for Mark Adair and several other players.

Cricket Australia has unveiled a 13-member squad for the upcoming 3-match ODI series against West Indies, slated to commence on February 2. In a strategic move to manage player workloads, the promising young batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk and emerging pace bowler Xavier Bartlett have earned spots in Australia’s ODI team for the upcoming clash with West Indies.

The roster adjustment comes as Glenn Maxwell takes a well-deserved break following his demanding schedule in the Big Bash League (BBL), while Jhye Richardson is sidelined due to an injury sustained while playing for Perth Scorchers last month. With World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins absent, Steven Smith has been appointed as the captain. Notable all-format players like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh are also given a rest for the three ODIs.

Emerging Talents and Strategic Rest: Cricket Australia’s Dynamic Squad for West Indies ODI Series

Fraser-McGurk, recognized as one of the most promising batting talents in the country, has garnered attention with consistent performances in the domestic arena. Recently moving from Victoria to South Australia, he achieved a world-record 29-ball century in the Marsh Cup this season. His standout BBL season with Melbourne Renegades saw him score 257 runs at an impressive strike rate of 158.64.

Having made his debut for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, Fraser-McGurk showcased his skills with a quickfire 54 off 25 balls. Meanwhile, Bartlett, currently the leading wicket-taker in this season’s BBL with Brisbane Heat, steps in for Richardson, contributing crucial powerplay wickets and making an impact during the death overs with his sharp outswing.

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Both Fraser-McGurk and Bartlett stand on the brink of their international debuts as they join the squad for matches scheduled in Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra. Australia’s ODI team is undergoing a transformation in preparation for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year and the four-year cycle leading to the 2027 World Cup, where they aim to defend their title won in India.

The squad reshuffle also creates opportunities for players like Matt Short, who will open the batting following David Warner’s retirement, and Aaron Hardie, stepping into the role vacated by Marcus Stoinis. Additionally, Lance Morris is included in the mix.

Australia ODI Squad:

• Steven Smith (C)
• Sean Abbott
• Xavier Bartlett
• Nathan Ellis
• Cameron Green
• Aaron Hardie
• Travis Head
• Josh Inglis
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Jake Fraser-McGurk
• Lance Morris
• Matt Short
• Adam Zampa

Australian chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that veteran Australia batter Steve Smith will open the batting in the first Test against West Indies in Adelaide. The usual No. 4 batter’s promotion ends the massive confusion for the Aussies in their search to replace David Warner, who retired from Tests recently. However, Smith will open with Usman Khawaja, with all-rounder Cameron Green now slated to bat at No. 4 as well.

“Tongue in cheek I could say everything’s an experiment,” Bailey said when he was asked if it was an experiment. “That’s been part of the discussions with Steve, I believe he’s keen for this to be a significant chapter of his career. We don’t look too far ahead… (but) for all intents and purposes this is where Steve wants to stay.”

However, George Bailey further added that the challenge of opening the batting in Test cricket was an ‘itch that Smith would like to scratch’. Meanwhile, one of the best of his generation, Steve Smith has never opened in Tests. The closest he has come is No. 3, where he has 1,744 runs in 29 innings which came at an average of 67.08.

SEE ALSO: Salman Butt shares what separates Virat Kohli from other players

“It’s selfless that someone who has had so much success in one position or a couple of positions in the middle order is open and willing and hungry to have a crack at something new and something different,” he said.

Meanwhile, another name that came for the opening spot was Cameron Bancroft, who was caught in the ball-tampering controversy in 2018. 

“Categorically no (issue between players and Bancroft). And I’ve shared this with Cameron on a number of occasions. It’s never been discussed, from the panel’s perspective, it’s purely a cricketing decision. There’s not a member of the team who would have an issue with Cam playing. We certainly don’t have an issue with it. I think a lot of people forget the fact that Cam’s actually played Test cricket since returning from the ban. It was a long time ago. We’ve all moved well past that. I’d be disappointed if people were looking to that as a reason… that’s not the case. Never has been and never will be,” Bailey added.

The two-match Test series between Australia and West Indies will begin on January 17.

Australia’s T20I squad is undergoing substantial changes as they adapt ahead of the remaining matches against India. Departing players include Steve Smith and Adam Zampa, paving the way for the return of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Sean Abbott. Josh Philippe and Ben McDermott have been named as replacements, while Ben Dwarshuis and Chris Green are set to join the squad later in the series.

Chris Green, poised for a potential debut in Raipur or the series finale in Bengaluru, brings extensive T20 experience from various leagues worldwide. His inclusion adds depth to the Australian side, complementing his demonstrated skills in domestic cricket. McDermott’s call-up is a result of Marnus Labuschagne’s involvement in Queensland’s Sheffield Shield team, and Josh Phillippe joins the Indian series due to his limited red-ball form in the Sheffield Shield.

The third T20I in Guwahati is pivotal for Australia, aiming for a victory after facing defeats in the initial two matches. Despite Josh Inglis’ remarkable century in the series opener, India successfully chased down Australia’s 208 to secure a narrow win. In the second match, India posted a formidable 235, limiting Australia to 191 despite resilient efforts from the middle order.

See Also:Carey and Labuschagne Scheduled for Sheffield Shield Participation Prior to Pakistan Test Matches

Steve Smith, set to open for the Sydney Sixers in BBL 13 before the Pakistan Test series, showcased his form with scores of 52 off 41 and 19 off 16 in the earlier T20Is. With only Travis Head remaining from the World Cup-winning squad in India, the team is eager to secure a crucial victory in the upcoming clash to revive their series hopes against a formidable Indian side.

The revised Australia T20I squad for India includes Matthew Wade (c), Aaron Hardie, Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott (withdrawn), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Chris Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (withdrawn), Glenn Maxwell (withdrawn), Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith (withdrawn), Marcus Stoinis (withdrawn), Kane Richardson, and Adam Zampa (withdrawn).

Updated Australia T20 squad

Matthew Wade (c), Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Chris Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Kane Richardson