India vs Australia, highlights, 1st ODI in Sydney, Full Cricket Score: Hosts win by 34 runs; take 1-0 lead in three-match series

Rohit Sharma has now scored atleast a century in each of his last 10 ODI series/tournament, starting from ICC Champions Trophy – 2017.

Most international matches lost by India at a venue:

37 – Sharjah

20 – MCG, Colombo (RPS)

19 – SCG*

18 – Eden Gardens

17 – Lord’s, Wankhede

Jhye Richardson, Man of the Match: India did well. They gave us a run for our money in those middle overs. It is difficult to bounce back when you have a team three down early. I am very happy to get Kohli’s wicket, but win makes me more happy. As a bowling unit, we are clear about our plans, doing our homework and being professional out there. I think it was about assessing the conditions more than anything else. Felt like bashing the wicket was quite difficult here. In the end, it became easier to bowl with the softer ball. My finger’s fine.

Jhye Richardson is the Man of the Match for taking four for 26

Aaron Finch, Australian skipper: Very pleased. We knew they would try and take it deep those are two world class players in Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni. Luckily we we were able to take their wickets and stem the flow in the end. I think we were par. I thought because of the early start the dew would come in. We felt the wicket slow slow down. I think we were par. Partnership between Marsh and Khawaja set us up and then Pete Handscomb came in and played a gem. I thought through that middle period we played really well. We got the firepower in the end with Stoinis and Maxwell coming in the end. Anytime you get a team three down early and three big guns it’s very important. I thought Jason handled his nerves brilliantly. And then the youngster Jhye is full of confidence Big future for both of them. Yeah there is always improvement.

Virat Kohli, losing captain: We are not pleased with how we played. The wicket was about 300+ par, so we obviously did well with the ball. We thought 288 was gettable. But yeah three early wickets was not good. We could have done well with the bat. Rohit and Dhoni took the game deep for us to feel we had a chance. With one partnership we got 250+, with one more partnership we could have done more. We have to take it as a day when Australia played better than us. We are not stressed about the result.

Most wins against an opposition in ODIs:

90 – Aus v NZ

90 – Ind v SL

90 – Pak v SL

81 – Aus v Eng

74 – AUS v IND*

73 – Aus v WI

73 – Pak v Ind

Right Australia win by 1-0 and take a 34-run lead. They had a sluggish innings and it felt that they had put on a below par score. But it was all about India’s top-order, and from 4-3 India could only recovered to finish at 254. It was clearly too much to do despite Rohit Sharma’s brilliance. MS Dhoni’s slow half-century has already triggered a lot of debate, but there is only so much he could do with the top order collapse.

Australia become the first team to win 1,000 international matches.

It’s all over! Australia beat India by 34 runs in the first ODI to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The last over was just a formality with India still needing 42 runs. Yet Bhuvi tried and also got a four but it wasn’t enough as Shami fell on the last ball with India finishing on 254/9.

After 50 overs,India 254/9 ( Bhuvneshwar Kumar 29 , )

FOUR! Bhuvi cracks the full delivery through covers

Mohammed Shami comes out to bat

After 49 overs,India 247/8 ( Bhuvneshwar Kumar 23 , )

Bhuvi gets a four with an uppish drive over cover point followed by a couple of single, a double and another single before Kuldeep got out trying to slam Siddle over backward square leg.

OUT! Kuldeep moves across to loft Siddle towards leg but finds the fielder at deep backward square leg

Kuldeep Yadav c Khawaja b Siddle 3(6). India: 247/8.

FOUR! Short, wide and Bhuvi shuffles across to play it over backward point

One player needed to kick on and play the support act to Rohit Sharma’s heroic innings

Marvellous century by Rohit, but in the absence of support from the top order barring Dhoni, this was always going to be a tough target. Credit to Aussies, particularly Richardson, for pulling off an upset

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 12, 2019

Siddle comes into attack

After 48 overs,India 238/7 ( Bhuvneshwar Kumar 15 , Kuldeep Yadav 2)

Bhuvi has taken the mantle after the fall of Rohit and luck is favouring him. Gets a four off thick edge through third man, drives the next ball through covers for a boundary and then he is dropped by Khawaja on the last ball at long-on. 11 off the over.

DROPPED! Khawaja puts down a simple catch. Bhuvi plays an uppish drive down the ground and the fielder just dropped a dolly.

FOUR! Bhuvi comes out and drives the length ball to covers

FOUR! Thick edge off Bhuvi’s bat runs down to third man boundary as he tried to slog the back of length ball

After 47 overs,India 227/7 ( Bhuvneshwar Kumar 5 , Kuldeep Yadav 2)

Four off the over. Couple of singles each for Bhuvi and Kuldeep. The equation is well and truly out of India’s hand with the fall of Rohit. 62 in 18 required.

After 46 overs,India 223/7 ( Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3 , Kuldeep Yadav 0)

Rohit’s fabulous innings comes to an end. He slams Stoinis for a four over mid-on and then tries to pull him. But mistimes the shot, top-edging to mid-wicket. Standing ovation from the crowd for him. Nine off the over, which also included a wide, a double and a single for Bhuvi.

Kuldeep Yadav comes out to bat

And Rohit holes out in the deep. Standing ovation but that was clever bowling with a slower one. Too much to do for him at the end, but this was a classy innings. Couldn’t finish the game though, for the damage was already done at the top. Australia will go 1-0 up here shortly.

WICKET! Stoinis removes Rohit and that should be the match for Australia. An excellent innings comes out an end but Rohit had run out of steam. It was short and Rohit went for the pull but top-edged it to mid-wicket.

Rohit c Maxwell b Stoinis 133(129). India 221/7

FOUR! Full-toss, outside off and Rohit slams it over mid-off fielder for a four

After 45 overs,India 214/6 ( Rohit Sharma 128 , Bhuvneshwar Kumar 0)

Excellent over for Richardson as he gives way just one run and removes Jadeja, who fell trying to clear the backward point boundary off a short ball. But he only managed to find the fielder at deep point. 75 needed in last 5 overs.

Jadeja gone. Well, he had to try that. This is where it gets tougher and tougher. Rising run-rate and running out of partners. Bhuvi can bat a bit, but he is no finisher.

Rohit Sharma has now hit 64 sixes (and counting) against Australia in ODIs – the most by a player against an opposition in ODIs, going past Shahid Afridi’s 63 sixes against Sri Lanka in ODIs.

Two stunning strokes and 10 runs in 2 balls. What a player. What a hit, or rather hits! Rohit single handedly keeping India in the game!

OUT! Richardson gets the wicket. Jadeja tries to slam the short and wide ball over square but could only manage to hole it to Marsh at deep backward.

Jadeja c Shaun Marsh b J Richardson 8(13). India: 213/6.

Richardson comes back into attack

Most sixes against Australia in Australia in ODIs:

27 – ROHIT SHARMA* (And counting)

25 – Shahid Afridi

After 44 overs,India 213/5 ( Rohit Sharma 127 , Ravindra Jadeja 8)

Rohit mistimes his shot as he tries to tonk the full delivery but it falls shot of the fielder as he takes a single. Jadeja drops the balls on his ribs on leg to take a quick single. Direct hit could have sent Rohit back. But then he slams Stoinis for a six and a four through mid-wicket. 12 off the over. 76 needed from 36.

FOUR! A bit back of length and Rohit pulls it through mid-wicket. The timing on that shot was too good.

SIX! Ridiculous shot. Full delivery from Stoinis and Rohit punishes the poor bowler with a shot over mid-wicket

Indian players scoring atleast a century at most different overseas venues in ODIs:

19 – Sachin Tendulkar

16 – Virat Kohli

13 – Sourav Ganguly

11 – Rohit Sharma*

9  – Virender Sehwag, Shikhar Dhawan

Stoinis returns to attack

After 43 overs,India 201/5 ( Rohit Sharma 116 , Ravindra Jadeja 7)

Eight off the over. Two singles and a big six. Rohit punishes Lyon as he bowls full and gives it air. 200 up for India. 88 needed in 42 balls.

SIX! Powerful shot. Full, flighted delivery and Rohit cracks it over long-on

After 42 overs,India 193/5 ( Rohit Sharma 109 , Ravindra Jadeja 6)

First ball double for Jadeja with a flick to mid-wicket followed by a single in the same area. Rohit balloons the fourth ball to mid-wicket trying to play the pull shot but it falls in no man’s land, he takes a single and gets a four off last ball as the full-toss delivery takes the under-edge and runs to the third man ropes. Nine off the over.

Magnificent hundred from Rohit Sharma. Equal to Sourav Ganguly and just behind SRT and Kohli. More importantly, he is keeping India in the game here. The equation is getting tougher with every ball, but he can bring out big shots. One or two big overs could be key herein.

FOUR! Full-toss ball takes the under-edge and runs down to the third man ropes as Rohit attempted a lazy pull shot

Maxwell comes back into attack with India needing 105 off 54 balls

After 41 overs,India 184/5 ( Rohit Sharma 103 , Ravindra Jadeja 3)

Rohit plays to long-on for single. Jadeja gets back in the crease and pushes the second ball to covers for a single. Rohit collects a single after driving down the ground and Jadeja adds another with a push to point. Four off the over.

Most centuries against an opposition team in ODIs:

9 – Sachin Tendulkar v Aus

8 – Virat Kohli v SL

8 – Sachin Tendulkar v SL

7 – Sanath Jayasuriya v Ind

7 – Virat Kohli v WI

7 – Saeed Anwar v SL

7 – ROHIT SHARMA v Aus*

Most centuries for India in ODIs:

49 – Sachin Tendulkar

38 – Virat Kohli

22 – Sourav Ganguly, ROHIT SHARMA*

Most centuries by Indian openers in ODIs:

45 – Sachin Tendulkar

20 – ROHIT SHARMA*

19 – Sourav Ganguly

Lyon is back into attack

Most centuries against Australia in ODIs:

9 – Sachin Tendulkar

7 – ROHIT SHARMA*

6 – Desmond Haynes

After 40 overs,India 180/5 ( Rohit Sharma 101 , Ravindra Jadeja 1)

Crucial over for Australia as Richardson gets DK out. He chopped onto his stumps trying to play a pull off back of length ball. Meanwhile, Rohit has also brought up his hundred. His 22nd in ODIs. Four off the over.

HUNDRED! Rohit takes a double to bring up his century. What an innings it has been but the job is still not done. And Rohit knows it as he celebrates silently.

Almost 2 runs per ball needed from here. It’s all about Rohit now isn’t it? He is approaching his hundred but will have to bring out his acceleration soon enough. DK staying with him matters too. Not much batting to come after this. 

And just as I type that, DK is bowled. Could be the final straw in what became a tough chase after the top order collapse.

Ravindra Jadeja comes out ot bat

BOWLED’EM! Richardson removes DK. A bit back of length and DK goes early on the pull as he inside edges it onto the stumps. 

Karthik b J Richardson 12(21). India: 176/5

After 39 overs,India 176/4 ( Rohit Sharma 98 , Dinesh Karthik 12)

13 off the over as Rohit smashes three boundaries. Two off pull shots through mid-wicket and one with a paddle over short fine. He’s now on 98.

FOUR! Third four of the over. A bit full this time and Rohit gets under it to scoop it over short fine leg

FOUR! A much better shot this time. Short ball and pulls it through mid-wicket

FOUR! Rohit slams the length ball through the gap in mid-wicket for a boundary

Siddle returns to attack

After 38 overs,India 163/4 ( Rohit Sharma 86 , Dinesh Karthik 11)

Two off the over. Rohit drops one on off for a single before Karthik runs the last ball to third man for another single.

Pacer Richardson comes back into attack

After 37 overs,India 161/4 ( Rohit Sharma 85 , Dinesh Karthik 10)

DK tucks the length ball to square leg for a single. Behrendorff finds Rohit’s inside edge with a wide delivery but it goes past leg stump for a double. A double with a push down the ground, a single with a push to cover and two more for DK as he gloves the length ball down the leg. Eight off the over.

After 36 overs,India 153/4 ( Rohit Sharma 80 , Dinesh Karthik 7)

Rohit punches the first ball through cover for a single before DK flicks the fifth ball from off to mid-wicket for another single. Two off the over.

After 35 overs,India 151/4 ( Rohit Sharma 79 , Dinesh Karthik 6)

Rohit collects one with a push down the ground. DK comes down and flicks the short ball to fine leg for a single before Rohit drops one towards square leg for a single. Three off the over.

Highest fourth wicket stands when first three wickets added less than 10 runs:

150 – Allan Border/Kim Hughes v WI, Castries, 1984

137 – Rohit Sharma/MS Dhoni v Aus, SCG, 2019*

133 – Rahul Dravid/VVS Laxman v Zim, Adelaide, 2004

After 34 overs,India 148/4 ( Rohit Sharma 77 , Dinesh Karthik 5)

DK collects a single with a drive to cover. Single for Rohit with a push to square leg and a double for Karthik as the outside edge runs down to third man. Four off the over.

Look where the ball pitched!

India are out of reviews and Dhoni has to go... #CloseMatters#AUSvIND | @GilletteAU pic.twitter.com/WRYVQPxwIM

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 12, 2019

Playing across the line and rapped on the pads… Dhoni is out lbw. Timely breakthrough for Australia this. India’s batting is starting to wear thin. This is the last recognised batsman. Pitched outside leg and India don’t have a review. Oh dear!

After 33 overs,India 144/4 ( Rohit Sharma 76 , Dinesh Karthik 2)

Behrendorff breaks India’s resistance as he gets Dhoni out to bring an end to 137-run partnership. Dhoni missed the full delivery trying to flick on leg and got out lbw. The ball pitched outside leg but India had no review. Rohit and Karthik collects two singles each. Four off the over.

Dinesh Karthik joins Rohit in the middle

WICKET! Behrendorff gets Dhoni out, lbw. Dhoni misses the full ball trying to play the flick and he has to leave. It probably pitched outside leg but India didn’t have a review.

Dhoni lbw b Behrendorff 51(96). India: 141/4.

Fifty for Dhoni. Who would have thought given the snail’s pace manner he began this innings. Still a strike-rate of 50 percent, but it is irrelevant given how India were in trouble and he needed to stay at the crease. This is looking like an immaculate recovery from India, but Rohit Sharma still the vital element herein.

The last time before today MS Dhoni scored a fifty in ODIs was in December, 2017 against Sri Lanka at Dharamsala.

After 32 overs,India 140/3 ( Rohit Sharma 74 , MS Dhoni (W) 51)

Pitched up from Stoinis and Dhoni slashes it through mid-on. The fielder got his fingers on the ball but couldn’t stop the boundary as Dhoni completes his fifty. The crowd is ecstatic. Takes a single with a drive to cover and one more for Rohit on the last ball. Six off the over.

FIFTY! Dhoni gets to his fifty with a four through long-off. 68th ODI fifty.

Stoinis comes into attack

After 31 overs,India 134/3 ( Rohit Sharma 73 , MS Dhoni (W) 46)

Good over for Behrendorff. Just one run from it. After five dot balls, Dhoni pushes the last ball, back of length, to square leg for a single.

Indians with 30-plus sixes in ODIs in two different countries:

Sourav Ganguly – India, South Africa

Sachin Tendulkar – India, U.A.E.

Rohit Sharma – India, Australia*

After 30 overs,India 133/3 ( Rohit Sharma 73 , MS Dhoni (W) 45)

Dhoni flicks off the pads to take double through square leg followed by a single with a flick to mid-wicket. Rohit smacks one over long-on for a big six. Nine off the over.

SIX! Rohit come down the pitch to the full delivery and slams a biggie over long-on

This (currently on 45) is MS Dhoni’s highest score since January, 2018 in ODIs. His previous highest score was 42* against South Africa at Johannesburg in 2018.

After 29 overs,India 124/3 ( Rohit Sharma 67 , MS Dhoni (W) 42)

Behrendorff starts off with a wide down the leg followed by a single for Dhoni as he tucks the ball on his pads to leg. Rohit collects a four with a scoop over the keeper. Two more singles and then Rohit slams one straight over mid-off for a boundary. 12 off the over.

FOUR! Full delivery and the hitman drives it in the air towards long-off

100+ partnership for this pair and who would have thought given the start they made. Rohit with an immaculate half century… he is key to this Indian win or loss.

FOUR! Slightly full and Rohit gets down in time to scoop it over keeper for a four

Behrendorff comes back into attack

After 28 overs,India 112/3 ( Rohit Sharma 58 , MS Dhoni (W) 41)

Rohit tucks the first ball to leg side for one. Lyon raps Dhoni on pads as he comes down. Loud appeal but umpire wasn’t interested. Double more for Rohit as he guides the wide ball to third man. Four off the over.

After 27 overs,India 108/3 ( Rohit Sharma 55 , MS Dhoni (W) 41)

Dhoni comes down and guides the short ball to cover for a double, punches the next delivery to square on off for a single. Another single for a Rohit off drive though cover followed by a wide delivery. Two more singles on last two balls. 100-run partnership comes up. Seven off the over.

After 26 overs,India 101/3 ( Rohit Sharma 53 , MS Dhoni (W) 38).

Rohit gets the inside edge to square leg for a single followed by a single for Dhoni with a back foot punch. He also put in a dive to make his ground. Two off the over.

Lyon comes back into attack in place of Maxwell

After 25 overs,India 99/3 ( Rohit Sharma 52 , MS Dhoni (W) 37)

Four off the over. Two singles for Rohit, one for Dhoni and a leg bye. Half of the innings is done with India needing 190 more in last 25 overs at the rate of 7.65.

This is Rohit Sharma’s

4th consecutive 50-plus score v Australia in ODIs

3rd consecutive 50-plus score in ODIs

Consecutive 50-plus score in ODIs in Australia

Most 50-plus scores for Indian batsmen in ODIs in Australia:

11 – Sachin Tendulkar

9 – ROHIT SHARMA*

8 – Virat Kohli

Jhye Richardson comes back into attack

After 24 overs,India 95/3 ( Rohit Sharma 50 , MS Dhoni (W) 36)

Nine off the over. Two fours for India. Dhoni gets one through square leg with a slog-sweep and Rohit brings up his fifty with a four through third man.

FIFTY! Rohit brings up his half-century with a four. His sixth against Australia

FOUR! Dhoni plays a slog-sweep though square leg as an excellent dive from Richardson goes in vain

Glenn Maxwell called into attack

After 23 overs,India 86/3 ( Rohit Sharma 46 , MS Dhoni (W) 31)

Dhoni flicks the full delivery first ball for a single followed by a beautiful drive from Rohit for a four. A single for Rohit with a push to long-on and one for Dhoni as he tucks it to square leg. Seven off the over.

Four! A bit full and Rohit creams it through cover, on the up. Beautiful shot.

After 22 overs,India 79/3 ( Rohit Sharma 41 , MS Dhoni (W) 29)

Dhoni comes down the pitch first ball to pull Stoinis off short ball. Short mid-wicket fielder got his finger tips to it but couldn’t pluck it out of air. Two runs for Dhoni. A single more as he tucks the length ball to mid-wicket. One for Rohit through square leg and another one for Dhoni off a drive through cover. In between this, Stoinis also bowled a wide down the leg. Asking run rate now stands at 7.5.

After 21 overs,India 73/3 ( Rohit Sharma 40 , MS Dhoni (W) 25)

A loosener from Siddle first ball as he comes back into attack. Width offered and Dhoni slashes it square on off for the first four of the match. Takes a single through cover with a back foot punch. Five off the over.

FOUR! First four of the innings. Siddle offers width outside off and Dhoni slashes it hard through square on off

Siddle comes back into attack

After 20 overs,India 68/3 ( Rohit Sharma 40 , MS Dhoni (W) 20)

Rohit drives to long-off for a single. Dhoni collects a double with a flick and a single with a drive to cover. Rohit tucks to leg for single and one more for Dhoni as cover fielder deflects the drive to mid-off. Six off the over.

After 19 overs,India 62/3 ( Rohit Sharma 38 , MS Dhoni (W) 16)

Rohit starts off with a treble on first ball as he plays it late to third man. Dhoni gets a single after coming down off Lyon, the intent was to go big but couldn’t time it well enough as he plays to mid-wicket. Rohit collects a single with a drive to long-on. Five off the over.

50-partnership up. Starting to look like a bit of recovery this. Long way to go though. Dhoni is playing some shots, or trying to. Asking rate of 7-plus though is bothersome. But as long as Rohit is there… could be a different game in the end.

Eight of MS Dhoni-Rohit Sharma’s last 10 stands have been 40-plus in ODI cricket including today. The lowest stand out of those 10 is 26, came against Sri Lanka at Mohali in 2017.

After 18 overs,India 57/3 ( Rohit Sharma 34 , MS Dhoni (W) 15)

Four off the over. Four singles. Two each for Dhoni and Rohit. Th current partnership is now worth more than 50. Amazingly, India have hit four sixes so far and not a single four.

Marcus Stoinis has been called into attack to replace Siddle

After 17 overs,India 53/3 ( Rohit Sharma 32 , MS Dhoni (W) 13)

Five dot balls from Lyon and then Rohit dances down on the last ball to hit it into the orbit, over mid-wicket. Six off the over.

SIX! Hitman hits the maximum. Rohit walks down to the pitch of the ball and hoicks it over long-on. Big six.

Time for drinks

After 16 overs,India 47/3 ( Rohit Sharma 26 , MS Dhoni (W) 13)

Outside off and Rohit guides it to third man for one run. Dhoni gets a single in the same area off a wide delivery. Rohit plays the full delivery with an open face bat behind backward point for a single. Three off the over.

15-overs comparison today:

Australia : 66/2

India : 44/3

This is a weird partnership building here. Fascinating to watch really. For the first half of it, both Rohit and Dhoni didn’t bother to score a run. Now, they have each hit a six in consecutive Lyon overs. India batting to a gameplan here. See out the storm and keep wickets in hand before a final attempted flourish.

MS Dhoni’s SR in the last five ODI knocks of 20-plus balls:

80.00 v West Indies, Visakhapatnam, 2018 (25 balls)

53.73 v Bangladesh, Dubai, 2018 (67 balls)

89.18 v Bangladesh, Dubai, 2018 (37 balls)

63.63 v England, Leeds, 2018 (66 balls)

62.71 v England, Lord’s, 2018 (59 balls)

After 15 overs,India 44/3 ( Rohit Sharma 24 , MS Dhoni (W) 12)

Nine off the over. Rohit dances down and lifts it over mid-off for a double followed by a single on the leg-side. Dhoni finally joins the party as he comes down to slam Lyon over long-on for a six.

SIX! MSD gets into the act. Comes down the pitch to lift Lyon over long-on

After 14 overs,India 35/3 ( Rohit Sharma 21 , MS Dhoni (W) 6)

Two for Rohit as he comes down the track trying to hit on leg but the ball hits the outside part of bat and runs to point. Followed by a maximum as he pulls the short ball over backward square leg. Adds one more with a flick to mid-wicket. Nine off the over.

Most sixes against an opposition team in international cricket:

88 – Chris Gayle v England

86 – Shahid Afridi v Sri Lanka

83 – ROHIT SHARMA v Australia*

81 – Chris Gayle v New Zealand

78 – Brendon McCullum v England

SIX! Lovely shot from Rohit. One of his favourite shot. Siddle bowls short and Rohit swivels it over backward square leg.

After 13 overs,India 26/3 ( Rohit Sharma 12 , MS Dhoni (W) 6)

Lyon gets his over in a jiffy. Malden over. Dhoni tried everything, coming down the track, playing on back foot but couldn’t get the ball away for runs. He’s batting on 6 off 35.

After 12 overs,India 26/3 ( Rohit Sharma 12 , MS Dhoni (W) 6)

Full on pads and Dhoni tucks it to mid-wicket for a single. Siddle raps Rohit on pads the next ball off a good length delivery but it was going down. Just one from the over. The current rate is 2.17 while the required rate is 6.92.

After 11 overs,India 25/3 ( Rohit Sharma 12 , MS Dhoni (W) 5)

Four runs off the over. Two singles for Rohit down the ground with back-foot punch shots while Dhoni gets two singles in the cover area.

Nathan Lyon called into attack

After 10 overs,India 21/3 ( Rohit Sharma 10 , MS Dhoni (W) 3)

Siddle is back to bowling in ODIs after a gap of eight years and raps Dhoni on pads first ball. Loud appeal from bowler but there was an inside edge as Dhoni collects a single. Rohit guides one down to third man for another single. Two off the over.

Missed Kohli’s dismissal? Watch it here:

Jhye Richardson goes BANG, BANG in a stunning start with the ball from the Aussies!#AUSvIND | @bet365_aus pic.twitter.com/IsNq1ALGoh

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 12, 2019

10,000-plus runs for India in ODIs:

Sachin Tendulkar 
Sourav Ganguly 
Rahul Dravid 
Virat Kohli
MS DHONI*

Peter Siddle comes into attack, replaces Richardson

After 9 overs,India 19/3 ( Rohit Sharma 9 , MS Dhoni (W) 3)

Rohit guides the full delivery first ball to third man for a single. Dhoni collects another one with a flick a square leg off a length ball. Two off the over.

Earliest MS Dhoni has come out to bat batting at No.4 or lower in an ODI innings:

1.5 overs v Windies, Kingston, 2009
3.4 overs v Sri Lanka, Dhaka, 2010 
3.6 overs v Australia, Sydney, 2019*
4.5 overs v England, Cuttack, 2017

After 8 overs,India 17/3 ( Rohit Sharma 8 , MS Dhoni (W) 2)

Three from the over. Rohit takes one with a flick to mid-on followed by a pull to fine leg for a single for Dhoni and Rohit finishes the over with a single off a slice to third man.

After 7 overs,India 14/3 ( Rohit Sharma 6 , MS Dhoni (W) 1)

Maiden over. Excellent bowling from Behrendorff. Wicket-to-wicket stuff, keeping Dhoni silent. Also a shout for lbw against Dhoni but he was hit on the pads well out of off with left-arm pacer bowling over the wicket. Dhoni will be focus here. We all know he has struggled to score freely recently.

Lowest score for India at the fall of third wicket in ODIs:

4 v Zimbabwe, Adelaide, 2004
4 v Australia, Sydney, 2019*
5 v South Africa, Hyderabad, 2005

After 6 overs,India 14/3 ( Rohit Sharma 6 , MS Dhoni (W) 1)

Dhoni gets off the mark with a single as the inside edge off a forward push runs down to the square leg. Richardson also bowled two wide balls in the over, one down the leg and another wide of off. Three from the over.

After 5 overs,India 11/3 ( Rohit Sharma 6 , MS Dhoni (W) 0)

India finally get a boundary as Rohit scores a six off a free-hit. Behrendorff bowls a no ball followed by a swing of bat from Rohit on the free-hit. Marsh took the catch at deep square leg but also touched the ropes. Seven off the over.

SIX! Free-hit and Rohit frees his hands for a pull over deep square leg. Marsh was on boundary, who took the catch but was late to release it as he made contact with the ropes.

There is always a brighter side

India’s top order failing a couple of times and the middle order getting a go would probably be the best thing for this team. The top order strength has masked middle order frailties for too long #AUSvIND

— Hemant (@hemantbuch) January 12, 2019

After 4 overs,India 4/3 ( Rohit Sharma 0 , MS Dhoni (W) 0)

Massive over for Australia as Richardson gets two wickets in space of three balls. First removes skipper Kohli and then gets Rayudu for a duck. Bowled on Kohli pads, who flicked it straight to short square leg fielder. Got Raydu out lbw. Good length ball moved a bit back in and undid the batsman. Also, a maiden over.

Gone! Plumb that was. Rayudu gone as well. Dream start this for Australia. Horrendous for India. 280 is suddenly looking like 320 now.

Virat Kohli has been dismissed for a single-digit score after 482 days in ODIs and after 21 innings.

MS Dhoni walks to the middle to bat

Sitting in the stands and its all gone quiet with Kohli’s dismissal. That catch stuck. This is what Australia wanted, no needed. India in deep trouble.

WICKET! Richardson gets two in three. Rayudu walks back to hut. The good length delivery moved just a little back in beating Rayudu’s bat to hit him on pads. India took a review but that couldn’t save him.

Rayudu lbw b J Richardson 0(2). India: 4/3.

Shikhar Dhawan’s ducks in ODIs:

v Australia, Visakhapatnam, 2010

v South Africa, Durban, 2013

v Sri Lanka, Dharamsala, 2017

v Australia, Sydney, 2019*

Ambati Rayudu comes out to bat

OUT! Big wicket! Kohli out. Length delivery on Kohli’s pads as he tries to flick it and plays the shot straight to Stoinis at short square leg.

Kohli c Stoinis b Richardson 3 (8). India : 4/2

After 3 overs,India 4/1 ( Rohit Sharma 0 , Virat Kohli (C) 3)

Kohli gets off the mark with a drive through cover. It was full and wide from Behrendorff and Kohli pushes it for a double. Takes another single on penultimate ball after guiding the full delivery to third mad. Three off the over.

After 2 overs,India 1/1 ( Rohit Sharma 0 , Virat Kohli (C) 0)

Another excellent over as Richardson restricts Rohit from scoring for a maiden over. Good start given by newbie pacers. Kohli has com out to bat.

Virat Kohli comes out ot bat

Jhye Richardson comes into attack

After 1 overs,India 1/1 ( Rohit Sharma 0 , )

Excellent start from debutant Behrendorff. Just one from the over and a wicket. Got Dhawan out LBW with a full delivery on middle and off. Dhawan wanted to flick it but got struck on pads. Golden duck for Dhawan. The only run was a leg bye after Rohit was hit on pads. Aussies took a DRS call. But it was going leg. Australia lose their review.

Eventful over to kick off things. Australia waste their review and India don’t. Dhawan looked plumb, Rohit not so much. But this is what Australia needed.

WICKET! What a start for Behrendorff! Gets the wicket of Dhawan in his first over on debut. Full delivery on iddle and off, Dhawan tried to flick it and got hit on pads. First golden duck in ODIs for Dhawan.

Dhawan lbw b Behrendorff  0 (1). India 1/0

Welcome back! Players are back on the field. India need 289 to win the first ODI at Sydney. Debutant Jason Behrendorff will open the attack. Rohit Sharma on strike.

Good wicket not enough score to win the match unless we play badly.

— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) January 12, 2019

Australia scored 80 runs in the last seven overs today. The last time they defended a target of less than 290 runs against India was back in 2012, also at Sydney.

Stoinis is pretty handy lower down the order, and especially in death overs. But Australia finished with a below par score here. Remember what Kohli said at the toss? Pitch won’t change too much through the day. India are firm favourites for chasing this down. Australia’s only hope is to get through that top-order within the first 10 overs.

The average score at SCG has been 320, Australia have 32 runs short of the par score, so India must be very happy with their effort, despite giving away 59 runs in the last five. Not a lot on offer for the bowlers on this surface, commentators reckoning the pitch is on the slower side. We will find out when India’s triumvirate comes on to bat Join us for India’s reply in about 35 minutes.

After 50 overs,Australia 288/5 ( Marcus Stoinis 47 , Glenn Maxwell 11)

Finally Australia get the massive over they were looking for at the very end of their innings. Maxwell’s belated entry will be a huge talking point as we head into the innings break. Couple of boundaries followed after the six from Stoinis early in the over. Was a half chance for Rohit Sharma to put in the dive while running from backward point but perhaps wisely chose not to.

FOUR! Spectacular shot from Maxi! Walks across his stumps and brings those wrists into play. Flick it mid wicket boundary, which the fielder isn’t able to cut it off.

FOUR! Big swing from Stoinis and he doesn’t get it from the middle but off the edge that flies it past short third man for a lucky boundary.

SIX! Again Kumar misses his mark as he attempts the yorker. Ends up as a juicy full toss that Stoinis clubs it into the stands over square leg fence

After 49 overs,Australia 271/5 ( Marcus Stoinis 36 , Glenn Maxwell 5)

Shami bowls the penultimate over and though he doesn’t have anything to show in his wicket column, the quick has bowled well in his return to white-ball cricket. Slightly expensive over to finish but 11 runs in 49th over is more than acceptable. Finishes with 46 runs in his quota of 10 overs. Stoinis still struggling to break free.

FOUR! Short of length from Shami and Stoinis has pulled it, just about finds the gap between long on and deep mid wicket, Rayudu tried his best to keep the ball in play but was unable to do so.

Peter Handscomb’s SR today:

First 50 balls – 102.00

Next 11 balls – 200.00

After 48 overs,Australia 259/5 (Marcus Stoinis 27, Glenn Maxwell 3)

The six early in the over helped Australia take 11 runs off the over. Maxwell is belatedly out there in the middle and has collected three runs off his first two balls.

15 balls to go and the big show is at the crease. How many can he get for Australia? They must reach 280 atleast, otherwise it will be a no-challenge for India.

OUT! Fortunately for Rayudu, the drop won’t be discussed or dissected with Handsomb dismissed the very next ball. Advances down the track and tried play the square drive up and over. Holes out to Shikhar Dhawan at sweeper cover. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the wicket. End of a valuable innings from Handscomb 

P Handscomb c Dhawan b Kumar 73 (61)

SIX! Strange bit of fielding from Ambati Rayudu. Bhuvi digs it in short and Handscomb comes down and then pulls it to fine leg fielder, who runs in, instead of staying back and by the time he realised the ball was sailing over, he simply parried it over the boundary. Should go down as a drop.

After 47 overs,Australia 248/4 ( Peter Handscomb 67 , Marcus Stoinis 25)

Shami begins the 47th over with a yorker right in the blockhole. Stoinis could only dig it out to safety. Follows it up with another full delivery that Stoinis is able to work it on the onside for a single. Handscomb gets it past extra cover for a brace before Shami bowls couple of wides, one down the leg side and the other one was a case of a slower bouncer going too high. Shami returns to search for the good old full delivery. Ends with a surprise short ball that Handscomb doesn’t middle but the ball falls in no man’s land near the square leg umpire. Eight runs off the over.

After 46 overs,Australia 240/4 ( Peter Handscomb 63 , Marcus Stoinis 23)

Much-needed over for Australia. Couple of boundaries from Handscomb in the over to make it a 11-run over. Another 50-run stand for the Aussies but it has taken as many deliveries. Four overs remaining 280 looking like a distant dream now. At one Australia believed 300 was on.

FOUR! Bhuvi misses the yorker. Handscomb shuffles across and takes the full toss and flicks it to backward square leg boundary.

1-48 from 10 overs for Jadeja. Continues to make a strong case for World Cup inclusion. Seems it is a given at the moment, and provides a good mix of spinners for Virat Kohli to choose from in England. 

Meanwhile, Australia showing a bit more rush now. 38 runs in last five overs and they could breach 280 here. India will be happy with that though.

FOUR! Cracking shot from Handscomb. Again fancying the cover region. Jumps out of his crease and lifts it over extra cover for a boundary. Was the knuckle ball from Bhuvi.

After 45 overs,Australia 229/4 ( Peter Handscomb 54 , Marcus Stoinis 21)

Some really attractive shots in Jadeja’s over, none better than the one hit over the cover fielder by Handscomb. Shimmied down the pitch and lofted it sweetly over extra cover for a couple of runs. Jadeja finishes with a dot. Seven runs off the over. Five to go.

After 44 overs,Australia 222/4 ( Peter Handscomb 51 , Marcus Stoinis 17)

Kuldeep comes on for his final over and is pounded for a couple of sixes to dent his figures, ending with 54 to his name but the left-arm wristspinner picked two crucial wickets in his 10 overs. Australia now look to step on the gas.

FIFTY! Handscomb transfers his weight on the backfoot and pulling it over long on fence for a six with Kuldeep ending his spell with a half-tracker. Great way to bring up his half-century. Only his second in ODI cricket.

SIX! Finally! Stoinis has a crack at it. Floated outside off from Kuldeep and Stoinis bends on his knee and slogs it into the members pavilion at the SCG for the first maximum of the innings.

The last time when India lost an ODI chasing a target less than 280 runs was against West Indies at North Sound in 2017 – 18 matches ago.

After 43 overs,Australia 208/4 ( Peter Handscomb 45 , Marcus Stoinis 10)

Perhaps Australia are wary of the slightly inexperienced tail they are playing with and hence they are still watchful at this stage of the game. Jadeja returns into the attack and gives away six runs with Handscomb removing the lap sweep for a couple, which should have been kept down to one, however, Khaleel’s misfield allows that extra run. It has been 43 balls since the last boundary.

200 up for Australia. Only eight more overs to go after this. 300 looks tough from here, even if Maxwell goes bonkers like never before. India have applied the brakes really well and set up their chase.

After 42 overs,Australia 202/4 ( Peter Handscomb 41 , Marcus Stoinis 8)
 

Still no signs of urgency as Australia continue to hold back the big hits. They go past the 200-mark in the 42nd over. Kuldeep’s penultimate over costs India three runs.

After 41 overs,Australia 199/4 ( Peter Handscomb 40 , Marcus Stoinis 6)

The boundaries have dried up with it being 31 deliveries since the last boundary came. With still some batting yet to come, don’t know what is exactly holding Stoinis and Handscomb back. Another four-run over. Nine overs remaining. The big show Glen Maxwell still warming the seat in the dressing room, Australia rather have him in the middle.

Among players who scored atleast 1,500 runs in ODI cricket in the last five years, Glenn Maxwell’s SR of 118.23 is the second highest among all. Only AB de Villiers (119.03) scored at a better SR than him during the period. However, Australia have opted to send in Stoinis over him today at No.6.

After 40 overs,Australia 195/4 ( Peter Handscomb 38 , Marcus Stoinis 4)

India just pulling things back here with couple of tidy overs. Stoinis and Hnadscomb exchanged three singles before Kuldeep slips in a couple of dots. A single to Handscomb to end the over. Ten more overs remaining.

After 39 overs,Australia 191/4 ( Peter Handscomb 36 , Marcus Stoinis 2)

Jadeja is a furious for not clinging on and stopping the single after Handscomb tapped it to point. The fielder did all the right things to run along the turf and put in the dive with the ball just not staying in grasps, allowing Handscomb to get to the other end. Stoinis is flummoxed with a slower delivery bowled by Shami, didn’t pick it up, but it was outside the off stump so no harm down. Shoulders arm to the next delivery. Misses the hook to a sharp bumper and blocks it to cover fielder before taking off for a quick single off the final ball to mid on. Two runs off Shami’s over.

Marsh is gone. That was the wicket India wanted before death overs. Kuldeep with the breakthrough again. Sort of a dragged shot from Marsh, not enough bat on it perhaps. Not easy to hit this wrist spinner, is it? Australia’s hopes of getting 300 will be in some bother here.

Mohammed Shami is back on to bowl

After 38 overs,Australia 189/4 ( Peter Handscomb 35 , Marcus Stoinis 1)

Handscomb turns the strike with a quick single on the onside but Shaun Marsh falls the very next ball, another batsmen out in his 50s. Marcus Stoinis comes in at number six. He is off and running with a single to deep mid wicket another single from Handscomb to retain the strike.

OUT! Kuldeep comes into the attack and strikes instantly. Marsh shimmies down the wicket and looks to take on the left-arm wrist spinner, doesn’t get it from the sweet spot with the bat turning in his hands. Shami runs in from long on and puts in the dive to complete a smart catch. End of a good innings from Marsh.

S Marsh c Mohammed Shami b Kuldeep Yadav 54 (70)

And right on cue. Kuldeep Yadav returns into the attack. One slip in place.

After 37 overs,Australia 185/3 ( Shaun Marsh 54 , Peter Handscomb 32)

Marsh and Handscomb notch a valuable 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Brought it a good clip taking 49 deliveries to get to the landmark. Four runs off Kumar’s over. Time for Virat to turn to spin.

After 36 overs,Australia 181/3 ( Shaun Marsh 53 , Peter Handscomb 30)

Australia upping the ante at around the 35 over mark. Marsh gets to his half century and Handscomb striking the second boundary off Khaleel’s over, who has gone at close to 7 runs an over while the team’s run rate has just about breached the 5-run an over mark.

This is Shaun Marsh’s fourth fifty-plus score out of eight ODI innings since 2018. He smashed a ton on each of the previous three occasions.

FOUR! Another fantastic drive through covers from Handscomb. A firm push into the gap for a boundary.