In the ongoing first ODI between India and Australia, Captain KL Rahul won the toss and opted to bat first, banking on the pitch’s suitability for chasing. The match has seen a mix of expected and unexpected moments. Mohammad Shami provided the desired start for India by dismissing Mitchell Marsh in the opening over.
However, India’s fielding displayed some lapses, with Shreyas Iyer dropping a straightforward catch off Warner. Warner capitalized on the opportunity, crafting a half-century. KL Rahul also missed a chance to run out Labuschagne, further contributing to India’s fielding struggles.
WATCH – Mohammed Shami’s Peach Of A Delivery Cleans Up Steve Smith In Mohali
On the other hand, the series holds significant importance for R. Ashwin, who aims to secure his spot in the ODI World Cup squad. With Axar Patel sidelined due to injury, there’s an opening for Ashwin, but he faced difficulties in making breakthroughs on the pitch.
Ashwin, with high hopes pinned on him, struggled to find wickets on this pitch. After seven overs, he had conceded 39 runs without taking any wickets, raising concerns about his performance. His first breakthrough came in the eighth over, but it wasn’t as straightforward as it may seem.
WATCH – Blunder From KL Rahul Allows Marnus Labuschagne to Escape Run-Out
Captain KL Rahul had left the ball, but Ashwin got a stroke of luck as it hit the stumps directly. This dismissal sent Marnus Labuschagne back to the pavilion. This marks Ashwin’s first success in the ODI format after a 20-month absence. He concluded his spell with figures of 1 wicket for 47 runs conceded in 10 overs.
Here is the video of the incident:
Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, Pat Cummins (captain), Shaun Abbott, Adam Zampa
India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaekwad, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (captain, wicketkeeper) Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami
