The much-awaited five-match T20 International (T20I) series between Australia and India is set to begin on October 29 in Canberra, marking another chapter in one of cricket’s most thrilling modern rivalries. Both teams will use the series to fine-tune their squads ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with several young players aiming to make a strong impression. Australia will enter the contest with a slightly altered lineup, as some key names are set to miss the initial games.
Adam Zampa to skip the start of the series
Australia’s premier leg-spinner Adam Zampa will be unavailable for the start of the T20I series due to personal reasons. The 32-year-old, who has been a cornerstone of Australia’s limited-overs bowling attack, will miss the initial matches as he and his wife Harriet await the birth of their second child. Zampa had also missed the first ODI of the recent series in Perth due to travel considerations before returning to play in Adelaide—where he was named Player of the Match—and Sydney.
Zampa’s absence is significant as he remains Australia’s leading wicket-taker in men’s T20Is and a proven match-winner, especially on subcontinental pitches. However, the team management has ensured his temporary absence won’t disrupt the bowling balance by bringing in a promising replacement.
Young leg-spinner to get his chance
In Zampa’s absence, Tanveer Sangha, the talented 23-year-old leg-spinner from Sydney Thunder, has been added to the squad. Sangha, who made his T20I debut against South Africa in 2023, has seven caps to his name and impressed on his debut with figures of 4 for 31. He was also in fine form during the recent Australia A tour of India, picking up seven wickets in three one-day matches.
Currently, Sangha is leading the wicket charts in the One-Day Cup with 10 wickets in four matches for New South Wales, showcasing his excellent rhythm and control. His inclusion highlights Australia’s continued trust in nurturing young spin talent, and he could potentially form a spin partnership with left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann if conditions favour slower bowling.
Key absentees and squad rotation
Australia’s T20I squad will see several rotations as part of workload management and Ashes preparations. Josh Hazlewood, one of Australia’s senior pacers, will only feature in the first two matches in Canberra and Sydney before being rested. Sean Abbott is scheduled to depart after the third game in Hobart.
Adding to the mix is Mahli Beardman, the exciting 20-year-old fast bowler from Western Australia, who is expected to join the squad later in the series. Beardman, who has represented Perth Scorchers in domestic cricket, is yet to make his first-class debut but could earn his maiden international cap during the series.
As both teams gear up for a fierce battle, Australia’s depth in talent will once again be tested. With Zampa’s temporary absence, Sangha has a golden opportunity to stake his claim and showcase his skills on the international stage.
