Australia kicked off the three-match ODI series against India with a comfortable seven-wicket win at the Perth Stadium in Perth. Chasing a target of 131, Australia only lost 3 wickets and completed the chase in 21.1 overs. Mitchell Marsh, who is leading Australia in Pat Cummins’ absence, played a captain’s knock and remained unbeaten on 46 off 52 balls. Josh Philippe scored 37 off 29 balls.
Matt Renshaw, who remained unbeaten on 21, scored the winning runs for the home team. Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar were three wicket-takers for the Men in Blue.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma made their much-awaited return to international cricket in the first ODI. Both former captains flopped upon their return. Virat departed for an eight-ball duck. Once again, he was dismissed while trying to play an outside off delivery.
Rohit managed to score 8 off 14 balls. The right-handed batsman was caught by Matt Renshaw off Josh Hazlewood.
KL Rahul top-scored for India in their total of 136 and scored 38 off 31 balls. Axar Patel also played a key role with the bat and hit 31 off 38 deliveries. India could never get the much-needed momentum due to the continued rain breaks.
A win in the second ODI will see Australia seal the series win. A victory for India will keep the third ODI relevant. The two teams will also lock horns in 5 T20Is after the end of the ODI series.
TOSS: The toss will take place at 8.30 AM IST.
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