Ind vs Aus, 1st ODI: 3 Things that went well for India ahead of the World cup

After losing the T20I series, a strong Indian team took the first ODI against Australia at Hyderabad. India lost the toss for the third consecutive time and this time Australian captain Aaron Finch opted to bat first.

It was not an ideal start for Australia, as they lost Finch for a golden duck. Finch has been in poor form against India since the Test series at home. The visitors tried to restore things with a second wicket partnership but Marcus Stonis got out at the wrong time. Kedar Jadhav took his wicket.

After that, Australia never looked in a good rhythm as they kept losing wickets. Khawaja scored a half-century, and Maxwell, who is experiencing a great form, scored 40 runs. The Indian bowlers ensured that Australia was not running away with game. Australia posted less than 250 runs.

India lost Dhawan for a golden duck on a tricky wicket. Kohli's decent cameo ensured that India were off to a decent start. But his trouble against leg spinners continued as he got out to Adam Zamba.

Rohit Sharma got out after scoring 37 runs in 66 balls. Rayudu made 13 and got out. The challenge was thrown to the Indian middle order, and they delivered in style. Kedar Jadhav and Dhoni ensured that the scoreboard was kept ticking.

They kept the run rate under control with odd boundaries. MS played second fiddle to Jadhav, who shifted the gear after his half-century. He scored a match-winning 81 runs, and Dhoni scored his fourth consecutive ODI half-century against Australia. India won the game by 6 wickets.

Let's have look at the three things that went well for India.

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#3 Mohammad Shami's bowling

Mohammad Shami

Shami was back to the squad after being rested for the T20I series, He has been brilliant for India for quite some time. He began the innings with a maiden over. He conceded only six runs in his second over. He looked lethal on this wicket, which had some spice.

He took two wickets, including the crucial Maxwell's wicket in his second spell. Kohli appreciated his fitness in the post-match conference, which is great to receive from someone who strives hard for fitness. Mohammad Shami's bowling will be key for India in the 2019 World Cup.

#2 Kedar Jadhav shines both with the ball and bat

Kedar Jadhav

India's issue in the recent series has been the sixth bowling option. Kedar has been more than decent with ball in the past. He is termed as a partnership breaker. So whenever Kohli sees some partnership building, he can throw the ball to Kedar. He brings extra cushion for India in the bowling options.

In this match as well, he broke the 87 run- second wicket partnership of Australia. He is a great asset for team India. After doing his job with the ball, Kedar walked in to bat in a tricky situation. India had lost four wickets inside of 100 runs.

They needed another 140 odd runs in 25 overs. Kedar, along with Dhoni, played smart cricket and ensured that run rate never went up during the innings. He also selected the perfect balls to hit boundaries. It was a risk free innings from Kedar. He showed immense maturity in this chase. If he continues to play more innings like these, he would be in the playing XI for India in the World Cup.

#1 MS Dhoni peaking at the right time

MS Dhoni

The former Indian captain had a poor run in ODI cricket last year. He did not score a single half-century during this period. His position in the team was questioned too. But at the right time, Dhoni has hit form.

He began 2019 in style by scoring three consecutive half-centuries against Australia, which helped India win their first ever ODI bilateral series in Australia. Dhoni won the Man of the Series for his three great innings. With just five games away from the World Cup, Dhoni yet again found himself in the right situation and played the perfect second fiddle to Kedar Jadhav.

The former Indian captain scored his fourth consecutive ODI half-century against Australia. Dhoni's form and experience is extremely vital for India in the World Cup. He is peaking at the right time for India. This is the 36th time Dhoni has scored unbeaten 50+ score in ODIs which is a joint world record alongside Jacques Kallis.