Australia, a five-time world champion in ODIs, is facing a challenging run-up to the upcoming ODI World Cup set to commence next month. Their recent struggle continued as they suffered their fifth consecutive defeat in the 50-over format. India, in the second ODI match, secured a convincing 99-run victory using the DLS method, sealing the three-match series with one game remaining.
In the clash in Indore, Australia found themselves chasing a formidable target as India posted a massive 399 runs. However, Australia was bowled out for 217 runs in just 28.2 overs. All-rounder Sean Abbott, who specializes in seam bowling, acknowledged that the Australian bowlers failed to execute their game plans and commended the Indian batsmen for capitalizing on loose deliveries.
Sean Abbott remarked, “It showed today when we were bowling, and it was a little bit the same in South Africa, every ball that missed the stumps was put away to the fence. It’s not surprising … if you don’t execute like we did today, and last game, they’re just going to dine out and we’re not putting them under much pressure.”
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Australia’s bowling department has struggled significantly, conceding more than 300 runs in four of their last five matches. While Abbott was one of the most economical bowlers for Australia during their tour of South Africa, where flat pitches led to high-scoring games, he faced a tough outing in the first ODI against India. In the second ODI, Abbott went for 91 runs in his 10 overs and expressed his disappointment with his performance, particularly in the Powerplay.
“It’s disappointing, especially from my end. I’d had a poor Powerplay (after) a pretty good Powerplay last game. But I pride myself on the areas that I bowl and putting pressure on the batsman that way and I’ve just noticed this tour, so far in these first two games and then in South Africa, the batters are just too good,” Sean Abbott said.
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He further added, “as soon as you’re off the stumps or pitching outside leg, they’re not going to miss out. When we missed the stumps, especially up top, we were punished pretty badly, and we didn’t execute greatly with the ball.”
Australia’s struggles with their bowling execution and inability to contain the opposition’s batting prowess have become a cause for concern as they approach the ODI World Cup. They will need to address these issues and make significant improvements to compete effectively in the tournament.
