After a dominant 2-1 ODI series win, Australia and India now turn their attention to the T20I format. With fresh squads and new leadership, both teams look to test their depth in a high-stakes five-match series at Manuka Oval.

Australia stamped their authority in the ODI series with a comprehensive 2-1 victory, but the focus now shifts to the T20Is where the dynamics are different. A younger Indian side, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will look to make a statement as they continue to build towards next year’s T20 World Cup. Australia, meanwhile, have gone with a flexible structure, Josh Hazlewood available for the first two games, Sean Abbott covering matches 1–3, and the trio of Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, and Liam Beardman joining from the third game onwards. With both teams fielding multiple cores across formats, the T20I series promises fresh match-ups, unpredictable contests, and plenty of intrigue.

India’s Squad for T20I Series against Australia

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.

Australia’s Squad for T20I Series against India

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott (games 1-3), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman (games 3-5), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (games 4-5), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (games 1-2), Glenn Maxwell (games 3-5), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa

India’s Probable XI against Australia for the 1st T20I

Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia’s Probable XI against India for the 1st T20I

Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Matt Short, Tim David, Josh Philippe (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Sean Abbott, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood, Tanveer Sangha.

Manuka Oval – Key Details of the Stadium

Manuka Oval, located in Canberra, is one of Australia’s premier cricket venues with a seating capacity of around 13,550, extendable to 16,000 with standing areas. Officially enclosed in 1929, the ground has undergone several redevelopments, including major upgrades in 2001 and the installation of six light towers in 2013, allowing it to host day-night matches. The oval is home to ACT Comets and ACT Meteors and regularly stages Big Bash League fixtures and the traditional Prime Minister’s XI games. It has also been a World Cup venue, featuring matches in both the 1992 and 2015 editions. With dimensions of 179m by 150m and iconic features like the Jack Fingleton Scoreboard, Manuka Oval offers a picturesque yet competitive setting for international cricket. Its balanced surface and rich history make it a unique venue in Australia’s cricketing landscape.

What is the Pitch Like at Manuka Oval?

The pitch at Manuka Oval is traditionally batting-friendly, offering a true surface that allows stroke makers to play freely and produce high-scoring games, especially in limited-overs cricket. The even bounce and fast outfield make it an ideal venue for aggressive batting, with teams often preferring to bat first after winning the toss. While pacers may extract some movement with the new ball in the early overs, assistance quickly fades as the match progresses, leaving bowlers with little margin for error. Short boundaries further aid scoring, making the venue popular for T20s and ODIs. Though generally good for batting throughout, the surface can slow slightly in the second innings, making chases trickier under lights.

Key Stats & Records at Manuka Oval

Manuka Oval has hosted a handful of international T20Is along with regular Big Bash League fixtures, often producing competitive and high-scoring games. The highest T20I total at the venue is 178/7 by England against Australia, while the lowest is 30/3 in a rain-shortened contest. The average first-innings score hovers around 144–148, though BBL games frequently cross 170–180. Dawid Malan holds the highest individual score here with 82, and Chris Woakes recorded the best bowling figures of 3/4. Batting friendly conditions have seen 45 sixes and 140 fours struck in just six T20Is, with chasing sides enjoying a slight advantage. Despite its reputation for runs, new-ball bowlers often play a decisive role in shaping outcomes at this ground.

IND vs AUS: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?

On 29th October, conditions at Manuka Oval in Canberra are expected to be cool and cloudy, with temperatures ranging from around 4°C in the morning to a daytime high of about 16°C. The forecast suggests a medium chance of showers, though any rainfall is likely to be light, between 1–5 mm. Humidity levels will be moderate, creating an atmosphere that could favor swing bowlers, especially during the early overs. While the possibility of rain interruptions cannot be ruled out, significant delays are unlikely. Cloud cover and cooler weather may also keep scoring in check at times, making discipline with both bat and ball essential. Overall, conditions are more supportive of bowlers than batsmen early on.

IND vs AUS: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?

The batting-friendly surface at Manuka Oval generally sets the stage for high-scoring contests, but its true bounce and early assistance for seamers tend to favor Australia slightly more than India. With proven power-hitters like Travis Head, Tim David, and Marcus Stoinis backed by bowlers such as Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa, the conditions suit Australia’s balanced squad. The short boundaries and quick outfield provide their aggressive batters the perfect platform to dominate, while experienced pacers can exploit the new-ball movement in Canberra’s cool weather. Although India has stroke-makers and depth in its lineup, Australia’s familiarity with the venue and ability to adapt quickly to conditions give them a slight edge in this T20 clash.

FAQs – Pitch Report for Manuka Oval, Australia

Q1: What is the pitch report for Manuka Oval, Australia?
The Manuka Oval pitch is batting-friendly with true bounce and a quick outfield, often leading to high scores. Pacers may find movement early, but it generally favors batsmen throughout.

Q2: What is India’s record at Manuka Oval in ODIs?
India has played limited ODIs at Manuka Oval, with a mixed record including a memorable win against Australia in 2020. Overall, the venue hasn’t been a dominant ground for India.