The first ODI between India and Australia was played in front of a sold-out crowd at the Wankhede Stadium, with the home team finally prevailing courtesy to a match-winning stand between KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. India won with five wickets in hand and more than 10 overs remaining.
Steve Smith’s Australian squad got off to a fast start, with to Mitchell Marsh’s swashbuckling half-century, but faded in the middle overs to register a below-par total. Despite Mitchell Starc’s masterpiece in fast bowling in the second innings, Australia fell short in the series opener.
Let’s take a look at what the captains had to say at the end of the match –
Losing Captain – Steve Smith (Australia)
We weren’t expecting this at the Wankhede, usually pretty good scores. India bowled really well. We left a few out there. If we had got over 250, it would have been interesting the way the ball was swinging and seaming. KL and Jaddu’s partnership was really good when they were under pressure. We started pretty well. Mitch played really nicely and took the game on early and got a few away and kept going. We lost too many wickets in the middle. We were always one partnership from them beating us – Jadeja and Rahul showed how to do it. It was offering a fair bit for the seamers at times. The ball swung. We needed a few more runs. Credit to India.
Winning Captain – Hardik Pandya (India)
We were under pressure both the times. We kept our composure and found ways to come out of those situations. Once we got the momentum, we were quite on top of the game. I am really proud of the way we caught today. We had to take our chances. Talking about Jaddu, he did what he’s capable of. Coming after a break in ODI cricket, the way he finished as well, we needed a partnership. I was enjoying my game. Overall, a very good victory.
Player of the Match – Ravindra Jadeja (India)
I’m playing ODI after eight months so was just looking to adjust as soon as possible. Luckily did well with the ball, got three wickets and was looking to build a partnership with the bat. Having played Test cricket, line and length was there but you have to alter you lengths and pace. I was looking to build a partnership today of about 70-80 runs, and that happened.
