Australia cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over India in the first match of their home ODI series at the Optus Stadium, Perth. Reduced by rain to 26 overs a side, the match saw Mitchell Marsh steer the chase with an unbeaten 46 as the hosts reached a revised target of 131 in just 22 overs.
It was Shubman Gill’s first game as captain in a one-day international for India but his initiation was challenging. The returning Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, finding no rhythm in seaming conditions, were at sea even before Australia’s new-ball pair Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc had stamped their authority. However, India slumped to 45 for 4 following an excellent opening burst that had their top order huffing and puffing for answers.
Hazlewood was the pick, nagging away with 35 dot balls in his 2 for 20 from seven overs. Starc’s movement with an early ball also troubled India’s top order, dismissing Kohli – who edged a ball behind to backward point for a duck. For the fans in attendance who arrived at the stadium expecting Kohli and Rohit to light up their evening, it was a disappointment, the rain and disciplined bowling overshadowing all.
KL Rahul fought back, top-scoring with 38 from 32 balls and Axar Patel chipped in with a useful 25. But after the pair left, India’s lower order crumbled just as rapidly. The left-arm spinners Matt Kuhnemann and debutant Mitchell Owen picked up important wickets at the back end to ensure India ended at 136 for 9 – too small a total to come close to testing Australia in these sort of conditions.
Chasing 131 under lights Australia had a few early jitters. The struggling Travis Head lasted just six balls before he edged Arshdeep Singh to deep third, but Marsh brought a steadying hand to the innings, easing his way before applying the foot. He had started carefully and then smoked one over mid-wicket for a six off Arshdeep Singh, and there was no looking back. Josh Philippe played his first ODI in more than four years and reinforced their momentum with a sparkling 37 off 29 balls to wrap up things smoothly.
India’s under-par display was a reality check after their Champions Trophy win earlier this year. Except for glimpses of Axar and Rahul, the batting looked rusty while their fielding was lacklustre. This maiden voyage as captain brought with it (for Gill) lessons in adaptation – something he’ll need to learn fast as the series progresses.
Australia, meanwhile, will be thrilled with a full-team effort. With Marsh at the helm, Philippe knocking on that door, and a fast-bowling triad sizzling along nicely behind them, they look in good shape for what’s to come.
India National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard