Stoinis backed to 'dominate' second T20

Australia wicketkeeper-batter Peter Handscomb has backed new T20 opener Marcus Stoinis to "dominate" in Wednesday's second 20-over contest against India if retained at the top of the order.

Stoinis made just one in his maiden innings opening the batting for Australia as part of a new-look top three which saw him take on the new ball alongside Hobart Hurricanes run machine D'Arcy Short and captain Aaron Finch at No.3.

But after 13 balls of Australia's pursuit of 127, both Stoinis and Finch had been and gone; the former was run out in a mix-up with Short, while the latter was trapped in front by a Jasprit Bumrah delivery that jagged back and kept low to fall for a golden duck.

Despite the top-order hiccup, Australia held their nerve to snatch a thrilling final-ball win and Handscomb assumes the top three will remain for Wednesday's second and final T20 international in Bengaluru where he expects Stoinis and Finch to play a starring role.

"Sometimes plans don't come off but 'Stoiny' up the top has been unbelievable for the Stars," Handscomb said in Vizag before the squad departed to Bengaluru on Monday afternoon.

"I daresay if he gets his crack again to open he'll dominate.

"And 'Finchy' at three I like as well, he can control it, he'll still probably bat in the Power Play and he can really dominate from that position."

Stoinis was a revelation opening the batting for the Melbourne Stars in BBL|08; he scored 499 runs at 62 with a strike rate more than 130.

Couple that form with the explosive Short, who was named the BBL leading run-scorer and player of the tournament for a second straight year, and Australia's premier T20 batsman Finch and it's an imposing top order the tourists' boast.

Australia's memorable three-wicket win in Vizag was far from flawless, with two run outs committed that could have proved costly.

After Short sent back Stoinis to his demise, the left-hander was the victim when Handscomb called through for a second run only to change his mind mid-pitch. Short was left stranded and Handscomb was visibly furious with the mix up.

Handscomb described running out Short, who was the set batsman on 37 as the wheels began to fall off the run chase, as "not the smartest thing to do" but isn't concerned about the mishaps in a fresh team that's still familiarizing themselves.

"Running between the wickets is one of those things; I hadn't batted with D'Arcy a lot, Stoin hadn't batted with D'Arcy a lot," Handscomb said.

"You've got to work out your singles you can take and your calls and that only comes with playing more and more with each other.

"I wouldn't be too worried about that moving forward."

Qantas tour of India

First T20: Australia won by three wickets

Second T20: February 27, Bengaluru

First ODI: March 2, Hyderabad

Second ODI: March 5, Nagpur

Third ODI: March 8, Ranchi

Fourth ODI: March 10, Mohali

Fifth ODI: March 13, Delhi