Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s much-anticipated return was cut short after only 22 balls, contributing to India’s seven-wicket loss to Australia in the rain-affected first ODI on Sunday.
India, batting first, struggled to reach a sub-par 136 for 9 after the match was reduced to 26 overs per side due to multiple rain interruptions, setting Australia a DLS target of 131, which they comfortably achieved in 21.1 overs.
Arshdeep Singh dismissed Travis Head early, who slashed the left-arm bowler to Harshit Rana at deep third man, and Matthew Short also failed to make a significant contribution.
However, skipper Mitchell Marsh (46 not out, 52 balls), a local favourite, used his power to keep Australia ahead with a vital 55-run partnership alongside Josh
Philippe (37, 29b).
Indian pacers Arshdeep, Mohammad Siraj, and Harshit Rana couldn’t match their Australian counterparts’ control, offering numerous easy runs to the hosts’ batters.
Marsh capitalised on these deliveries, hitting a six off each bowler, with a standout inside-out shot off Siraj over covers.
Philippe supported Marsh well with a busy innings, and his dismissal did little to slow Australia’s march to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Earlier, India’s momentum was disrupted by frequent weather interruptions and relentless Australian new-ball bowlers, except when KL Rahul (38, 30 balls) was at the crease.
Before the rain breaks, Australian bowlers used the extra bounce on the Optus Stadium pitch to dismiss two seasoned Indian players. Rohit Sharma (8), playing his 500th match for India, was cheered by the Perth crowd but his innings ended after just 14 balls.
Rohit managed a splendid straight drive off Mitchell Starc, reminiscent of his glory days. However, Josh Hazlewood’s steep bounce ended his stay as an ever-rising ball hit the bat’s sticker and carried to debutant Matthew Renshaw at second slip.
Kohli entered to louder cheers but couldn’t replicate his usual ODI brilliance. In a pre-match interview, Kohli had mentioned how Australia often brought out his best performances.
But this time, Starc induced the worst from Kohli with a typical prod outside the off-stump, leading to a drive that edged to Cooper Connolly at backward point, ending Kohli’s eight-ball innings and giving him his first duck in Australia. Kohli and Rohit now need strong performances in the upcoming ODIs in Adelaide and Sydney to prove their worth for the long run.
Unlike his senior teammates, skipper Shubman Gill appeared confident but a casual flick attempt against Nathan Ellis resulted in a leg-side catch to wicketkeeper Philippe.
Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer fell similarly, with Hazlewood’s bouncer on the ribcage causing him to glove it to Philippe, reducing India to 45 for four in the 14th over.
India gained some momentum through a 39-run fifth-wicket partnership between Axar Patel (31) and Rahul before Patel was dismissed by spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. Rahul impressed with his handling of the bounce, playing some top-quality shots.
Rahul’s straight drive and pull off Ellis for successive fours were outstanding. He became more aggressive against the spinners, hitting Matthew Short for two consecutive sixes.
Rahul and Washington Sundar added 30 runs for the sixth wicket, but the limited overs and late wicket losses hindered India’s acceleration towards the end.
(With PTI inputs)
