Captain Mitchell Marsh attributed Australia's 48-run loss to India in the fourth T20I at Carrara Oval to a lack of meaningful partnerships. The Australian side, missing key players like Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Travis Head, struggled while chasing India's modest total of 168.
After a promising 37-run opening stand between Marsh and Matthew Short, Australia’s innings lost momentum. Axar Patel trapped Short, who had scored 25 off 19 balls, ending a crucial start. Marsh and Josh Inglis managed a 30-run stand before Axar struck again, bowling Inglis for 12 and triggering a collapse.
Australia’s middle order faltered as wickets fell steadily and the required run rate spiraled. Shivam Dube dismissed Tim David for 14 with a clever change of pace, while Josh Philippe was caught after scoring 10. Glenn Maxwell, returning from injury, was bowled by Varun Chakaravarthy as he attempted a cut shot. Marcus Stoinis launched a brief counterattack, but Washington Sundar dismissed him to end any remaining resistance.
"Walking off, I thought around 167 was par on that wicket. The wicket provided a few challenges with the bat."
India, with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, clinched a 2-1 series lead. The match highlighted Australia’s dependency on building solid partnerships, a missing element in their chase.
Author’s Summary: Marsh admitted partnerships were Australia's Achilles' heel as disciplined Indian bowling secured a decisive win and a 2-1 series edge.