Melbourne, Oct 30: The weather could once again play a decisive role when India take on Australia in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, following the rain-marred series opener in Canberra.
According to forecasts, showers and possible thunderstorms are expected throughout the day in Melbourne, raising concerns of another stop-start encounter. AccuWeather predicts an 87 percent chance of rain with near-total cloud cover of 99 percent.
Thunderstorms are also a possibility, with a 17 percent probability. The match, slated to begin at 1:45 pm local time, coincides with the period when precipitation chances remain high at 71 percent, with an estimated 1.4mm of rainfall anticipated. As for the pitch, the MCG will host its first T20 of the season, and conditions are expected to offer a fair balance between bat and ball. Historically, the surface has provided some assistance to bowlers — especially pacers — owing to the venue’s expansive boundaries and true bounce.
However, recent Big Bash League games have witnessed high-scoring contests, with totals frequently crossing the 180-run mark. (Agencies)
