An entertaining half-century by Matthew Wade has lifted Australia to 4-171 in the Twenty20 international against India at ANZ Stadium.

The Victorian blasted 72 off 43 balls to show why he’s been given the chance to replace Brad Haddin as Australia’s one-day wicketkeeper and delight a big crowd at the west Sydney venue.

Wade opened with David Warner and initially played a support role to the NSW star.

Warner made a slow start but exploded into action in the third over when he smashed a remarkable switch-hit for six.

A four and then another six followed off the next two deliveries and the pugnacious left-hander had swiftly moved to 20 and given Australia dramatic momentum.

Warner’s knock didn’t last long however, miscuing another big shot in the next over off Vinay Kumar (1-28) which Suresh Raina caught comfortably to remove the opener for 25 off 14 balls.

Wade then built on his opening partner’s momentum, smashing a massive 109 metre six off Ravi Ashwin (1-34) in the eighth over before again clearing the ropes in the 13th over to pass 50 off just 34 balls.

The Victorian smashed another six before play was delayed by rain for approximately 20 minutes, and the break seemed to break his concentration, bowled by Raina (1-22) shortly after play resumed.

From there Australia’s innings stuttered, although David Hussey (42 off 30 balls) ensured the total went past 170.

Of Australia’s other batsmen, Travis Birt struggled his way to 17 off 21 balls while captain George Bailey finished unbeaten on 12.

The innings was an eventful one for Indian debutant Rahul Sharma, who had to leave the ground for treatment on an injured hand after dropping Birt in the ninth over.

But the leg-spinner returned to bowl the final over and claim the wicket of Hussey to finish with 1-27.