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Australia humble India by 65 runs in the first ODI at MCG

on February 5, 2012 12:32 pm in India vs Australia / no comments

Australia got back to their winning ways, after losing the second Twenty20, beating India by 65 runs in the first ODI at the MCG.
In a rain-curtailed tie India won the toss and put the hosts’ into bat, who made 216/5 in 32 overs riding mainly on the knocks of keeper-batsman Matthew Wade(67) and the David Hussey(61* of 30). Mike Hussey also made a quickfire 45 of just 32 balls.

India did pick up three early wickets with the new ball sending Warner(6), Ponting(2) and Clarke(10) back to the pavillion with the scoreboard reading 49. But then a faster than run a ball 73 run stand between Mike Hussey and the keeper brought Australia right back int the game. Vinay Kumar(3/21), who was the best bowler on display provided the early breakthroughs but a superb flourish late down the order by David Hussey ensured Australia set a daunting total against India then a competitive one.

Wade in action at the MCG

Indian spinner’s had a forgettable day on the field with all of them leaking runs at a terrible rate. The marquee player in the auction yesterday, Ravindra Jadeja, was taken for a special liking by the Australian’s going for 41 in the 16 legitimate balls that he bowled.
Ashwin, Rahul Sharma and Rohit Sharma struggled too with not much assistance from the pitch.

Chasing close to seven runs an over from the onset was never going to be easy for India. The early dismissal of Tendulkar(9) and Gambhir(5) meant India were always behind the eight ball. Ab rief little partnership of 51 between Kohli(31) and Rohit(21) ignited hopes but once they departed in the same over it was almost a lost cause.

Clint Mckay was the wrecker-in-chief, picking 4/20 in just 4.4 overs that he bowled. Left arm pacer Starc was impressive with his pace too, accounting for both the openers.

It was another appalling show of batting by the Indians; folding out for just 151 on what was a pretty decent pitch to bat on. Their batting has struggled right throughout the tour with the exception of the last Twenty20 match. For India to pose a serious challenge in the tri-series they would have to get their act together and come up with a better batting display soon.

Matthew Wade, on debut, was named the Man of the Match for his superb knock. For someone playing his first ODI he looked very organised and confident. He was of-course superb in the two Twenty20 matches that he played earlier against India.

Australia 5 for 216 (Wade 67, D Hussey 61*; Vinay Kumar 3-21) beat India 151 (Kohli 31; McKay 4-20) by 65 runs by D/L method