The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is an iconic sporting venue located in Yarra Park, Melbourne, the largest city in the Australian state of Victoria.

Locally known as the “The G�? the MCG was established in 1853 and is officially the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere with a seating capacity of nearly 1,00,000 including standing room.

The cricket ground is situated adjacent to the Melbourne Park and is part of the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment.

The MCG hosted its first international cricket match, a Test between arch-rivals Australia and England, in March 1877. Since then, the venue has staged 114 Tests, 151 ODIs and 15 T20Is. It has also served as the centrepiece stadium of the 1956 Summer Olympics, the 2006 Commonwealth Games and two 50-over Cricket World Cups in 1992 and 2015. It has also been used as the principal venue for the Australian Football League (AFL) matches including the AFL final. 

The historic venue is also set to host the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 matches including the highly-anticipated Australia-England and India-Pakistan fixtures as well as the final scheduled to be played on November 13.

The Australian cricket team has a decent T20I record at the MCG, winning nine of the 15 T20Is that they have played so far. The Aussies have lost five T20Is while one match ended in no result. 

Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, let’s have a look at the T20I records at the iconic MCG.

Melbourne Cricket Ground T20I records and stats

Highest total: The Indian cricket team’s 186/5 against Zimbabwe is the highest team total at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the T20I format. During ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022, the Indians rode on Suryakumar Yadav's 61 off 25 balls and KL Rahul’s 35-ball 51 to post a highly competitive total on the board. In reply, Zimbabwe could only manage 115 runs in 17.2 overs as India secured a clinical 71-run victory.

Lowest total: India’s 74 all out against Australia is the lowest T20I total at this venue. During the only T20I of India’s tour of Australia in 2008, India were bundled out for 74 in 17.3 overs. Nathan Bracken was the wrecker-in-chief for Australia as he picked three wickets for 11 runs in his 2.3 overs. For India, Irfan Pathan top-scored with 26 off 30 balls. In response, Australia chased down the target in 11.2 overs and claimed a dominating nine-wicket win.

Highest individual score: Australia’s David Warner has registered the highest individual T20I score at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The swashbuckling southpaw smashed 89 runs off just 43 balls against South Africa in a T20I encounter in 2009. Warner’s blitzkrieg was laced with seven fours and six maximums.

Best bowling figures: Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has the best bowling figures at this ground in T20I cricket. The right-arm pacer claimed four wickets for 30 runs in his quota of four overs against arch-rivals England in a T20I fixture in January 2014. Hazlewood’s match-winning spell restricted England to 130/9 in their 20 overs. Hosts Australia rode on unbeaten fifties from Cameron White (58) and captain George Bailey (60) to chase down the total in 14.5 overs and eight wickets in hand. 

Most runs: Australia’s Aaron Finch has amassed the most runs at this venue in the T20I format. Between 2011 and 2022, Finch has scored 334 runs in 12 matches at an average of 37.11 and a strike rate of 143.34. He has hit two fifties at MCG in T20I cricket so far. Finch’s long-time opening partner David Warner is second on the list with 217 runs in seven matches.

Most wickets: Kane Richardson of Australia has picked the most wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in T20 internationals. The right-arm fast bowler has bagged nine wickets in just four matches at an economy of 8.29 and an average of 14.44. India's Hardik Pandya features second on the list with six wickets in three matches.

Highest partnership: Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya hold the record for the highest partnership at the MCG in T20Is. The Indian duo forged an impressive 113-run stand for the fifth wicket against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022. The scintillating partnership powered India to a final-over victory against Pakistan in the Super 12s. 

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Featured photo: William WEST / AFP

Team Delhi all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin announced in the wee hours of Monday that he will skip the remainder of the Indian T20 League 2021 campaign to support his family amidst the second wave of Covid-19 in the country.

This news comes shortly after Andrew Tye left the Rajasthan camp on Sunday, citing the "stress of bubble life" and concerns about borders closing in Australia.

Ashwin took to Twitter to make the announcement after Delhi edged past Hyderabad in the Super Over at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

"I would be taking a break from this year's IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times," the Indian cricket team all-rounder said.

I would be taking a break from this years IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you @DelhiCapitals

�?Stay home stay safe! Take your vaccine (@ashwinravi99) April 25, 2021

However, Ashwin also inferred that he would return to play once normalcy resumes.

Zampa, Richardson continue Aussie exodus from Indian T20 League 2021

Bangalore announced that Australian pair Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson will be unavailable for the rest of the campaign due to 'personal reasons'.

Zampa and Richardson follow Andrew Tye, who was the first Australian cricketer to exit the Indian T20 League 2021 and return back home from India.

Official Announcment:

Adam Zampa & Kane Richardson are returning to Australia for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of #IPL2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore management respects their decision and offers them complete support.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/NfzIOW5Pwl

�?Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 26, 2021

In the wake of the possibility of more Aussie players following suit, Kolkata mentor David Hussey said everyone is a bit nervous at the moment.

"Everyone is sort of a bit nervous about whether they can get back into Australia. I dare say there will be a few other Australians a bit nervous about getting back into Australia," Hussey said to the Sydney Morning Herald.

However, the former Australian all-rounder showered praise on the bio-bubble in India saying it was similar to what they experienced in Australia during the summer.

“We’re stuck in bubbles. It’s probably not too dissimilar to what all Victorians experienced last year in lockdown really. You get tested every second day. So it’s quite full-on but I think every precaution`s been taken for everyone’s safety," Hussey said.

Featured photo: Twitter / Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore

South Africa pace bowler Dale Steyn‘s absence in the 2021 Indian T20 League serves as a timely blow to the Bangalore team, who now lack the intimidating factor in their ranks.

Steyn, who made his debut for the franchise in 2008 and returned in 2019, endured a horrid season in the 2020 edition as he took a solitary wicket in just three appearances.

As far as his career numbers in the Indian T20 League are concerned, the 37-year-old has featured in 95 matches and has bagged 97 wickets at an economy rate of 6.91. Judging by these figures, one can safely say that Steyn has fared well as a marquee pacer in the T20 extravaganza.

With as many as four Indian pace bowlers on their roster, it is to be seen whether Bangalore opts for a full-fledged overseas pacer or consider a formidable bowling all-rounder.

We identify four potential candidates who could fill the void left behind by Dale Steyn.

Mitchell Starc

T20 stats: Matches 98, Wickets 144, Economy rate 7.16

Australia’s Mitchell Starc has been one of the X-factor bowlers in the T20 circuit, and his unique bowling abilities in the middle and death overs will be an asset for Bangalore in the Indian T20 League 2021.

Starc had last featured in the competition in 2015, where he bagged 20 wickets in 13 matches. The left-arm pacer, whose career stats read as 34 wickets in 27 matches, has opted out of multiple editions due to hectic calendar years.

The 2021 edition could witness the return of Starc in the cash-rich tournament as a like-for-like fast bowling replacement for Dale Steyn, while complementing Sri Lanka’s Isuru Udana as a left-arm bowling option in the Bangalore bowling unit.

Kane Richardson

T20 stats: Matches 117, Wickets 139, Economy rate 7.87

 

 

Kane Richardson, like Mitchell Starc, has made limited appearances in the Indian T20 League but has showcased his worth on his day. The 29-year-old, who was signed by Bangalore in the 2020 auctions, pulled out due to personal reasons but is likely to return to the fold in the upcoming edition.

Richardson was influential in Australia’s rise up to No. 1 in the ICC T20I rankings, claiming 13 wickets in 11 matches. The right-arm fast-medium bowler has played 14 games in the Indian T20 League, scalping 18 wickets at an economy rate of 8.38, and stands out as one of the preferred choices to replace Steyn, given the Aussie is familiar with the team’s bowling prowess.

Mustafizur Rahman

T20 stats: Matches 121, Wickets 162, Economy rate 7.23

Mustafizur Rahman is fondly remembered as the first overseas player to win the ‘Emerging Player of the Tournament�?award, and also his impactful performance of 17 wickets in 16 games that propelled Hyderabad to the 2016 title.

The 25-year-old, who has featured in three Indian T20 League campaigns, is greatly revered for his ability to soak in the pressure well and bowl off-cutters that keep batsmen rather unsettled.

While injuries have plagued his career, Mustafizur has bagged 24 scalps in 24 appearances in the T20 extravaganza and eyes a comeback in the 2021 edition, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) denied him a NOC to participate in the 2020 Indian T20 League.

Kyle Jamieson

T20 stats: Matches 33, Wickets 49, Economy rate 7.96

New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson is the only fresh face in our list of candidates to replace Dale Steyn, and considering the potential he carries, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Bangalore splashes out a hefty amount to sign the 26-year-old.

Jamieson was one of the breakthrough stars in 2020, mostly in the Test format, but his bowling variations and ability to handle pressure situations has earmarked him as a potential matchwinner.

The Auckland-born all-rounder is yet to feature in the Indian T20 League, and amongst the list of potential destinations, Bangalore seems to be a perfect hub to kick off his journey. Like Steyn, Jamieson imposes his authority in the death overs and his towering physique will play a role in generating bounce and pitch-perfect bowling lengths.

Kyle Jamieson’s 6/7 in a 2019 Super Smash fixture for Canterbury is one of the most remarkable bowling performances in T20 cricket, and Indian cricket fans will expect the Kiwi international to showcase his tenacity as a replacement for Dale Steyn at Bangalore.

Feature Image Courtesy: AFP / Marty Melville

Right-arm pacer Andrew Tye has replaced Kane Richardson in Australia's One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20I squads for the upcoming white-ball series against India.

In a statement, Cricket Australia (CA) said that Richardson has withdrawn from the squad to be with his wife and their newborn son in Adelaide.

"It was a difficult decision for Kane to make but one which has the complete support of the selectors and the entire playing squad," CA national selector Trevor Hohns said on Wednesday.

"Kane wanted to remain in Adelaide with Nyki and their newborn son. We will always support our players and their families; even more so given the challenging environment, we are in. We will miss what he brings to the team but completely understand and support his decision," he added.

Tye was part of the Rajasthan squad in the recently concluded Indian T20 League and was also part of the Australia squad which went to England for a limited-overs series earlier in the year. 

The Perth Scorchers fast bowler has played seven ODIs and 26 T20Is, claiming 12 and 37 wickets, respectively.

Australia will play three ODIs against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (November 27, 29) and Manuka Oval, Canberra (December 2). Both the teams will also compete in three T20Is at Manuka Oval, Canberra (December 4) and the SCG (December 6, 8).

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia undertook a mass airlift of players from across the country following the pandemic outbreak in Adelaide which forced local administration to impose heavy restrictions in the city.

“CA has taken a proactive approach and mobilized a number of people across the country over the past 24 hours to shore up our men’s domestic and international schedules, Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s interim chief executive said. “CA will continue to monitor the situation in South Australia and the resulting border restrictions around the country.�?/span>

Australia ODI & T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (vc), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Daniel Sams, Andrew Tye, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ian Kington

With Kane Richardson pulling out of the 2020 season of the Indian T20 League due to the birth of his first child, fellow Aussie Adam Zampa has been announced as his replacement in the Bangalore squad.

Zampa joins the already-formidable line-up of spinners on Bangalore, including Yuzvendra Chahal, Moeen Ali, Washington Sundar and Pawan Negi.

We’re thrilled to welcome Adam Zampa in RCB colours. He replaces Kane Richardson. Let’s #PlayBold Adam Zampa. #PlayBold #IPL2020 #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/63rnT8SvSV

�?Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 31, 2020

The team's head coach Mike Hesson said, "We are disappointed to not have Kane's skills with us this (Indian T20 League) as he's certainly on top of his game.

However, Hesson is looking forward to the variation that Zampa stands to bring to the Bangalore arsenal, "When looking at our squad for UAE conditions, we felt it was an opportunity to bring in another quality legspinner in Adam Zampa to provide cover for Chahal and also give us extra options if conditions suit spin as expected during the tournament."

While Zampa had gone unsold in last year's Indian T20 League auction, Richardson was bought by Bangalore for four crore rupees.

Zampa and Richardson are presently in the United Kingdom along with the rest of the 21-man squad for the upcoming limited-overs series against England.

The two sides will face each other for the first of three T20I matches on Friday, September 9.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Noah Seelam

Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson has been ruled out of the India series after the seamer complained of pain on his left side. The 28-year-old abruptly left the training session ahead of the first ODI and has failed to recover from that knock, leading to him being replaced by Andrew Tye for the remainder of the India series. 

Con Chronis/ AFP

"Kane reported some left side pain at training prior to the opening T20I in Vizag," David Beakley, Australia's physiotherapist told on Wednesday.

"Unfortunately he has not recovered well enough in order to play a further part in the tour.

 "Kane will return home to continue his rehabilitation, and we monitor his progress over the coming weeks.”�?/p>

Richardson’s replacement Andrew Tye had performed admirably in the Big Bash League, and is well accustomed to Indian pitch conditions, having won the Purple Cap for most wickets in the 2018 Indian Premier League. Tye will also be joined by Australian opener Shaun Marsh, who has been added to the squad for the India tour.