Sydney, Friday: Skipper Aaron Finch and Steve Smith blazed centuries and Josh Hazlewood ripped apart the Indian top order as Australia won by 66 runs in the first one-day international at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.
The Indians, coming out of coronavirus quarantine, looked rusty in their first taste of international cricket since February, as the Australians went on a run rampage to reach 374 for six after winning the toss.
Hazlewood then put the skids under the tourists, triggering a top-order wobble. Among his victims was coveted wicket of skipper Virat Kohli, as India amassed 308 for eight in reply.
Australia enjoyed perfect batting conditions. Finch belted 114 and shared an opening stand of 156 with David Warner, who made 69 off 75 balls.
Smith had some early luck early before taking charge and hitting 105 off 66 balls with four sixes.
He was saved by DRS after a confident appeal for leg before wicket on 15. Then Shikhar Dhawan badly missed Smith’s miscue on 38 at long on.
After Finch raised his 17th ODI century he was out for 114 off 124 balls trying to steer a Jasprit Bumrah lifter behind the wicket in the 40th over. India made a fast start, the openers flaying the Aussie attack for 53 before Mayank Agarwal fell to Hazlewood for 22. India’s remaining hope went with Pandya who took on Zampa but failed to clear the rope and was caught by Starc for 90 off 76 balls. Zampa finished with four for 54 off his 10 overs.
India had not played international cricket since a tour of New Zealand earlier in the year and it showed with their outfielding ragged at times.
In contrast, Australia came into the match on the back of beating 50-over world champions England in September. AFP
