India slumps to 72 run defeat in first one-dayer against Australia

India lost out in the first of the seven match one-day series against Australia by 72 runs at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The Australians put up some brilliant batting display to set a formidable target of 305 and then followed it up with some disciplined bowling performance to take a 1-0 lead over the hosts.

Australia captain George Bailey called it right at the toss and decided to bat first. The openers Aaron Finch and Phil Hughes made good use of the conditions as they put a good opening stand of 110 before getting out to Ravindra Jadeja, 3 runs short of a well-deserved half century. India looked like coming back into the match slowly as they picked up few quick wickets but George Bailey played a captain’s knock which enabled the visitors to post such a big total. Indian pacers failed to impress once again but some disciplined bowling from the spinners saw the visitors getting restricted to 304. Ashwin and Yuvraj picked up couple of wickets each while Jadeja, Ishant Sharma and R Vinay Kumar chipped in with one wicket each.

Indian openers could not provide the sort of start that was required to chase down a target of 305 as Shikhar Dhawan went out early with the score reading just 26. Rohit Sharma again gave away a promising start as he went for 42. With 2 wickets down at 66, India desperately needed a good partnership to keep their hopes alive. Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina did just the right thing as they showed controlled aggression to keep the sroceboard ticking. But just when it looked like India was inching towards the finishing line Raina (37) got out. Yuvraj Singh (7) and Virat Kohli (61) followed suit as India lost three quick wickets to be left stranded at 166/5. Wickets kept falling as Australia took total control of the proceedings. Both Dhoni (19) and Jadeja (11) failed to deliver with the bat as India ended up 72 runs short of what would have been a record-breaking victory. James Faulkner was the most successful among the Aussie bowlers as he picked up 3 crucial wickets of Dhawan, Raina and Jadeja. Shane Watson Clint McKay picked a couple of wickets each.

George Bailey was adjudged the player of the match for his 82-ball 85 runs innings crafted with 10 boundaries. It was a great start for the visitors as they look forward to win the series and take the numero uno position in the ICC one-day rankings. On the other side India will look to make a comeback into the series to retain their top spot when they face the Aussies for the second time at Jaipur on October 16.

(Report by Argha Ghosh)

• About the Author

About Sprightly Spirit

“I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares more is none”. And all, may be. It may be the vigor. Or the spirit. Or the courage to avoid being “politically correct” or bent. And, ban all averse with immaculate overture of graciously fathomable words firm in views. Subtle. Justifying the undying conscience. Values. Knowledge. And, dares to stay true. True to own. True to the world. And, to the words. With a dream in eyes it exists. In you. In me. In all. The sprite that never shies away. The spirit that never dies!