The much-anticipated return of star batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the Indian cricket team proved to be short-lived, with both contributing minimally as Australia clinched a commanding seven-wicket victory in the rain-affected first One-Day International on Sunday.
After a series of rain interruptions, the match was curtailed to just 26 overs per side. Batting first, India struggled to build momentum and posted a modest total of 136 for 9. Australia, with a revised DLS target of 131, chased it down comfortably in just 21.1 overs.
Australia’s chase didn’t start without its share of drama. Early wickets fell, including Travis Head, who was caught at deep third man off Arshdeep Singh’s delivery, and Matthew Short, who failed to leave a mark.
However, local captain Mitchell Marsh took charge, showcasing his explosive batting prowess with an unbeaten 46 runs from 52 balls. He forged a vital 55-run partnership with Josh Philippe, who chipped in with a brisk 37 off 29 deliveries, effectively steering the Australian innings.
India’s pace attack, comprising Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Siraj, and Harshit Rana, found it challenging to exert control, offering the Australian batsmen ample opportunities to score freely. Marsh seized these chances with both hands, dispatching sixes off deliveries from all three Indian pacers. A notable highlight was his audacious inside-out six over covers against Siraj, demonstrating his class.
Philippe provided excellent support to his captain with an energetic knock. Although his dismissal caused a brief flutter, Australia comfortably secured the victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Earlier, India’s batting performance was heavily impacted by persistent rain delays and Australia’s disciplined bowling. Only KL Rahul managed to offer significant resistance, scoring 38 runs off 30 balls.
The Optus Stadium pitch, known for its extra bounce, was expertly exploited by the Australian bowlers. Rohit Sharma, marking his 500th international appearance for India, opened alongside captain Shubman Gill but could only muster a paltry 8 runs from 14 deliveries. Sharma’s brief innings featured a single straight drive off Mitchell Starc before a sharp bouncer from Josh Hazlewood found the edge, leading to his dismissal caught by debutant Matthew Renshaw at second slip.
Virat Kohli’s much-awaited comeback was equally short-lived, as he departed after facing just eight balls, caught by Cooper Connolly at backward point off Starc’s bowling. This marked Kohli’s first duck on Australian soil. Captain Gill, despite showing glimpses of his potential, was caught by wicketkeeper Philippe off Nathan Ellis while attempting a flick. Shreyas Iyer soon followed, glancing a Hazlewood bouncer straight to Philippe, leaving India reeling at 45 for four by the 14th over.
A crucial 39-run partnership between Axar Patel and KL Rahul provided a much-needed boost to India’s innings. Axar contributed a valuable 31 runs before being dismissed by spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. Rahul showcased impressive technique, expertly handling the bouncing deliveries. His exquisite straight drive and powerful pull shot off Ellis stood out. He further accelerated against the spin attack, hitting Matthew Short for two consecutive sixes. Rahul, alongside Washington Sundar, then added another 30 runs for the sixth wicket.
However, the reduced overs and a flurry of late wickets ultimately hampered India’s efforts to post a truly competitive total in the closing stages of their innings. Australia’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout, expertly using the pitch conditions to their advantage. Their disciplined performance was key in restricting India to a below-par score.
Australia’s successful chase was a testament to Marsh’s composed innings and the effective partnerships formed around him, securing them an early lead in the three-match series. Looking ahead, the senior Indian players will need to significantly raise their game in the upcoming matches in Adelaide and Sydney to reclaim momentum and solidify their places within the squad.