In the 1st ODI between IND vs AUS, Australia won against India with a seven-wicket victory in the first matchup of the series at Optus Stadium, Perth. The match was reduced to 26 overs per innings because of rain, and India could not recover from a poor start at 136 for 9.
Australia, underpinned by Mitchell Marsh’s resilient stay of 46* from 52 deliveries, chased down the adjusted target of 131 in 22 overs. The match was disrupted throughout by incessant rain interruptions that disrupted the flow of the game and annoyed the 42,423-capacity crowd.
India’s Top Order Falters Against Pressure in IND vs AUS
From the outset, India’s response to Australia’s strong bowling attack was not good, and it fell apart entirely when they hit the field and had no conditions to bat on.
The top order was dismissed early, with both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not making it any easier for themselves, both returning to the international cricket arena, as they struggled against the pace and bounce of Australia’s fast bowling attack, especially Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
Rohit was sent back for a scratchy 8 after being caught off the sharp bounce by second slip off Hazlewood’s, and Kohli’s comeback to the ODI game was brought to a premature end with an 8-ball duck.
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Hazlewood’s superb bowling in seaming conditions took 2 wickets for 20 runs from 7 overs, including a spell of 35 dot balls. Kohli, who has good memories of Optus Stadium from previous visits, was dismissed by Hazlewood’s accuracy and was caught at backward point.
Shubman Gill, leading India in ODIs for the first time, battled hard but was out for 10, nicking a ball from Nathan Ellis down the leg side. India’s slide continued as Shreyas Iyer was bowled cheaply, leaving the side in deep trouble at 45 for 4.
Axar Patel Puzzles with the Ball, But India Come Short
Even in the initial setbacks, India’s left-handed spinner Axar Patel did a good all-round job. He was one of the few positives with the ball, picking a wicket and restricting runs at important stages. The batting issues did not change though as India’s middle order couldn’t form any partnerships. The prolonged drizzle and shorter overs did nothing to help India’s cause.
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KL Rahul and Axar Patel attempted a counter-attack after the rain interruption, with Rahul striking a couple of sixes, but that was short of their target. Axar holed out to Matt Kuhnemann for 12, and the Indian innings lost steam in the latter part of it. Nitish Reddy’s late cameo on debut couldn’t help India cross the competitive score.
Australia’s Smooth Chase and Marsh’s Key Contribution
In reply, Australia was given a target of 131 in 22 overs. Though there were early setbacks, such as Matt Short’s meek departure to Axar Patel, Mitchell Marsh played a well-focused knock.
While the conditions were unpleasant, Marsh gained his touch after a sluggish beginning, scoring only two singles off his initial nine deliveries. He struck a six leg-side off Arshdeep Singh, before continuing to take control of the Indian bowling attack with measured aggression.
Matt Renshaw, who made a return to ODI cricket after a long break, backed Marsh with an unbeaten 21*, nearly nine years since his Test debut. The two of them guided Australia to an easy victory by the 22nd over.
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