Runs were scored in a hurry at the WACA ground in Perth, but Australia had the last laugh over India in their 1st ODI of the VB Series 2016 - a game that saw two 200-run stands in the same game, a feat never achieved before in the history of ODI cricket.
Steven Smith’s 149 and George Bailey’s 112 overpowered Rohit Sharma’s 171* and Virat Kohli’s 91 to guide Australia to victory by 5 wickets.
After winning the toss, the Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni decided to bat first. The visitors were off to a flier as Rohit started hitting from the very first ball of the match. He was supported by Kohli’s 91 and then small Dhoni cameo.
India posted a mammoth target of 310 runs which did look like a difficult task for Australia initially after they lost both the openers in quick succession. Captain Smith and Bailey made a solid foundation together by rotating strike whenever they could before going for the big hits later in the match.
Smith and Bailey double century partnership ensured their team a comfortable 5-wicket victory over India in the first ODI.
Bailey speaks about lifeline off first delivery
Decision Review System (DRS) became the topic of discussion again as Bailey got a lifeline off the first ball he faced. When asked about the same, he said: “Would've been interesting to see on DRS, but we're not the team that doesn't want it.”
Bailey also spoke about India’s new paceman Sran who troubled the Aussies batsmen the and said: “I liked the look of him, good pace and has a bright future ahead.”
Cricket fraternity took to Twitter after India’s defeat and expressed their mixed emotions on the same:
Indian bowler Irfan Pathan:
Former Australian bowler Nathan Bracken:
Glenn McGrath:
Damien Martyn:
Yuvraj Singh, who is part of India’s T20 team in Australia, wants youngsters to learn from Smith and Bailey:
VVS Laxman praised debutant Barinder Sran for his brilliant show with the ball:
He also congratulated Rohit for his massive ton:
Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris praised Rohit Sharma:
Journalist Gaurav Kalra:
Harsha Bhogle opined:
Tom Moody on Rohit’s innings:
Sanjay Manjrekar:
Aakash Chopra:
Ayaz Memon:
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