India once again proved to be
too good to be beaten at their back yard. Australia lost the series 2-1 against
India. But Australia gave India a tough time and made them think about their
strategies, especially in the first ODI held at Wankhade Stadium.India lost the opening match by 10
wickets and the much hyped bowling department failed even to pick up one
wicket. Australia chased down 255 in 37.4 overs without losing a single wicket.
Much was expected from them in the upcoming matches after their overwhelming
performance in the first ODI. But India had learned their lessons and managed
to overcome Australia in the remaining two ODI and seal the series 2-1.
In the second ODI batting first India made 340/6, thanks to some good batting performances from KL Rahul,Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan. In reply Australia could only manage to get to 304 despite a well fought 98 from Steven Smith. KL Rahul was adjudged as the man of match for his 52 ball 80.In the final ODI held at Bangalore Australia batting first managed to make 286/9 riding upon century from Steven Smith. He was supported by an half century from Marnus Labushange. In the age of those hard hitting batsmen Labushange present himself as a technically sound batsman and guarantees to go a long way . Despite Australia being 230/4 in almost 40 overs they couldn't press the accelerator at the right time and could manage only some 60 odd runs in the final 10 overs. Australian batting line up is greatly dependent on Warner, Finch and Smith and lacks the great depth that once they were known for. Spinners of Australia bowled decently well in the series. Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar kept their line tight and bowled in the right areas. Mitchell Starc was uncharacteristically expensive in the outing and it hurt Australia badly. India managed to reach the target in 47.3 overs with the help of 119 from Rohit Sharma and 89 from Virat Kohli.Shreyas Iyer made a quick fire 44. Rohit Sharma was adjudged as man of the match in the final and Virat Kohli was the man of series.
In the second ODI batting first India made 340/6, thanks to some good batting performances from KL Rahul,Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan. In reply Australia could only manage to get to 304 despite a well fought 98 from Steven Smith. KL Rahul was adjudged as the man of match for his 52 ball 80.In the final ODI held at Bangalore Australia batting first managed to make 286/9 riding upon century from Steven Smith. He was supported by an half century from Marnus Labushange. In the age of those hard hitting batsmen Labushange present himself as a technically sound batsman and guarantees to go a long way . Despite Australia being 230/4 in almost 40 overs they couldn't press the accelerator at the right time and could manage only some 60 odd runs in the final 10 overs. Australian batting line up is greatly dependent on Warner, Finch and Smith and lacks the great depth that once they were known for. Spinners of Australia bowled decently well in the series. Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar kept their line tight and bowled in the right areas. Mitchell Starc was uncharacteristically expensive in the outing and it hurt Australia badly. India managed to reach the target in 47.3 overs with the help of 119 from Rohit Sharma and 89 from Virat Kohli.Shreyas Iyer made a quick fire 44. Rohit Sharma was adjudged as man of the match in the final and Virat Kohli was the man of series.
India's
struggle with the Keeper option has a temperory solution in KL Rahul. The
Karnataka batsman seems to be in great form with the bat and kept wickets
decently well. The Indian captain hinted that Rahul might get an extended
chance behind the wickets. It might help India in increasing their batting
depth. Shreyas Iyer was not in great touch in the first two ODI and the
Australians exposed his weakness against the short pitch deliveries. He needs
to work on those weakness before boarding the plane to NewZealand , where the
ball is known to swing and bounce. The speedster Navdeep Saini seems to be a
good addition to the pace armoury. He has the pace and consistency. The spin
department needs to up their antennae. Kuldeep and Jadeja did bowled well.
But there were instances where Australian spinner seemed to be better than
Indian bowlers in these subcontinent pitches. India needs to rethink about
Rishabh Pant since he is continuously letting the team down by his rash shots
and he lacks the consistency and the responsibility. Virat Kohli, Shikhar
Dhawan, KL Rahul and Rohit Dharma contributed well with the bat and forms the
batting nucleus for India in this series. Manish Pandey couldn't make an
impact and it needs to be seen if he gets a long run chance. Pace bowling
seems to be in safe hands with those decent performances from our speedsters.
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