Despite the defeat, Italy created history with several milestones. Their 178 in the chase was the highest total they have ever recorded while batting second in a T20 International and also marked the first time they crossed the 175-run mark against a Full Member nation.
India, the defending champions led by Suryakumar Yadav, enter the tournament as overwhelming favourites. Yet, even before a ball has been bowled, the event has been overshadowed by diplomatic tension and controversy.
England captain Ben Stokes labelled the Boxing Day Test win at the MCG a “pretty special feeling” after his side finally brought an end to a 15-year wait for a Test victory on Australian soil.
The world’s top-ranked Test batter had endured three previous Ashes tours Down Under without tasting success, but that personal drought finally ended as England chased down a target of 175 in a dramatic two-day contest.
With Australia in control after the opening two matches, England face a daunting task and must win all three remaining Tests to keep their hopes of reclaiming the Ashes alive.
Pant was dismissed by Shannon Gabriel for 92 and so far, he has amassed 346 runs.
Andy Flower, who has been standing in since May, will continue to hold the reins until December while recruitment of a permanent successor takes place.
Curran, 20, made his Test debut against Pakistan in June and ended up as England's man-of-the-series in a 4-1 success over India.
"Why aren't we playing more day-night Test matches, when it's a no-brainer that it will draw more viewership," Manjrekar wondered.
The board said it asked Mathews to step down as captain of the ODI and T20 teams to clear the way for Chandimal to lead Sri Lanka during the tour.
