India-Australia first T20I to expect delayed start due to rain:Abhishek, Suryakumar Yadav’s true test on Aussie soil with overcast conditions in Canberra

Team India, fresh from their Asia Cup 2025 triumph, are all set to face Australia in a five-match T20I series today at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. After losing the ODI series 2-1, India will look to bounce back strongly and gain momentum on their journey toward the T20 World Cup 2026. The upcoming series is expected to test India’s aggressive brand of cricket against a strong Australian side. Ahead of fiery clash, here are the events that’ll gain the spotlight during the five-match T20I series. Time for Suryakumar Yadav to take on centerstage with his bat As a captain, Suryakumar Yadav has excelled the T20I assignment winning all the games in Asia Cup and ultimately claiming the continental trophy. Meanwhile, team India has just lost a single T20I out of its last ten T20I matches.In 2023, Surya had batted in 18 innings, scoring 733 runs at a strike rate of nearly 156 and it comprised two tons and five half-centuries. In 2024, he amassed little less than 450 runs at a strike-rate of 151 but cut to 2025, the Indian skipper has managed only 100 runs from 10 innings at an average of 11 runs per game. Yet he has maintained a strike rate of over 105, with a clear attacking intent. While talking during pre-match press conference on the eve of 1st T20I, he said, “Runs, it will come eventually but I m working hard towards the team goal. It s more important what team wants from you in different situations and I take one game at a time and if it starts then I think it will be a good thing.” True test for Abhishek Sharma India’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma has been in excellent form so far. He scored 314 runs at a 200 strike rate in Asia Cup 2025, that gained even praise from ‘Mr 360’ AB de Villiers. However, it will be worth watching how he tackles the extra bounce and tight length deliveries from Josh Hazlewood swirling in and off the off-stump line. Nitish Reddy to replace Hardik Pandya With all-rounder Hardik Pandya sidelined due to a quadriceps injury, Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to fill his place in the playing XI. Reddy, who missed the final ODI in Sydney due to injury, has now recovered and is expected to bring balance to the side. IND vs AUS, 1st T20I, Match Details Date Time: 29 October, 01:45 PM Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra Live Streaming: Jio Hotstar (App/Website) Live Telecast: Star Sports Network IND vs AUS head-to-head India and Australia have met 32 times in T20Is. India holds the upper hand with 20 victories, while Australia has won 11 matches. Meanwhile, one game ended without a result. Yet, the present Aussie squad holds the caliber to challenge India’s excellence its home soil. Manuka Oval pitch report The Manuka Oval pitch in Canberra is known to be batting-friendly, offering consistent bounce that suits aggressive stroke play. Although pacers may find some movement early on, the surface tends to favour batsmen as the match goes on. This makes it ideal for high-scoring and attacking cricket encounters. Yet the square boundaries are longer than average here that can create chances for spinners. Canberra weather report The weather in Canberra on Wednesday is expected to be cool and slightly wet, with light rain throughout the day. The temperature will hover around 14°C in the day, that will dip below 10°C if match lasts longer due to potential rain interruptions. Also, there is a 60% chance of precipitation in the day so match might expect a delayed start at noon.