KL Rahul proved his credentials behind the stumps by taking a brilliant catch off Indian stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya’s bowling to dismiss Australian skipper Steve Smith in the first ODI of the India-Australia series at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Smith made 22 runs in 30 balls before departing back to the dressing room.
In the 13th over of Australia’s innings, Smith edged a delivery from Hardik. Rahul dove towards his right to take a stunning catch to end the Australian captain’s stay at the crease. The dismissal ended a dangerous looking 72-run partnership between Mitchell Marsh and Smith for the second wicket.
Earlier, India won the toss and chose to bowl first. The Men in Blue made some brave selection calls as the in-form Axar Patel was left out of the playing XI. There was no place for Yuzvendra Chahal and Umran Malik in the line-up either.
Mohammed Siraj helped India get off to a brilliant start as Travis Head departed for a score of just 5. After Smith’s dismissal, the Australian batting collapsed, with Mitchell Marsh’s quick-fire effort ending with a knock of 81 in 65 balls after Ravindra Jadeja dismissed him. Jadeja pulled off a mesmerising diving catch off Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling to end Marnus Labuschagne’s stay at the crease.
Mohammed Shami showed his class with the old ball to dismiss both Josh Inglis and Cameron Green to leave Australia stumbling, having lost six wickets without even 200 runs on the board. All of Australia’s hopes are now dependent on the 8th wicket pair of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.
Hardik is leading India in this game due to the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit is absent due to personal reasons and will be back for the second game. The Men in Blue have also lost the services of Shreyas Iyer due to a back injury.
