The veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made a comeback to the ODI squad and dismissed Marnus Labuschagne in the first match of the three-match ODI series against Australia.
Ashwin gives comeback with Labuschagne’s dismissal
India is scheduled to play the first ODI match on September 22 at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. With the victory in the Asia Cup finals, India is set to play against Australia before competing in the World Cup tournament 2023.
Players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Kuldeep Yadav were rested in the first two ODI matches as the team management wanted other players to be given some game time before the World Cup.
The Indian team led by KL Rahul won the toss and chose to bowl where Ashwin dismissed Marnus Labuschagne on the 4th ball of the 33rd over making his first ODI wicket almost after two years.
Ashwin made his last ODI appearance in January 2022 and has been playing in Tests since then. He was successful in the Test series against West Indies in 2023 where he achieved multiple records.
Starting the innings, Mitchell Marsh and Warner opened for Australia, while Shami opened the bowling attack. Mohammad Shami was so intense as he dismissed Mitchell on the fourth ball in the first over of the innings. David Warner backed the team with an impressive start as he scored 52 runs including 6 boundaries and 2 sixes before being sent out by Ravindra Jadeja. Steven Smith joined a partnership with David Warner to score 94 runs and had an individual score of 41 and was sent out by Shami.
With Labuschagne’s dismissal with 39 runs by Ashwin, Australia is down to 4 for 157 runs in the 33rd over. Cameron Green scored 31 runs but was sent out on a runout. Josh Inglis was dismissed by Bumrah on 45 runs while Stoinis scored 29 runs and was sent out by Shami.
Mohammad Shami terrified Australian players dismissing 5 wickets in the first innings. Pat Cummins scored an unbeaten 21 runs, but other batters couldn’t keep up with them as they were sent out with low figures. By the end, Australia scored a total of 276 runs in 50 overs losing all 10 wickets.
With a target of 277, India started their innings where Ruturaj and Shubman Gill opened for India while Pat Cummins opened the bowling attack. India will be playing their second ODI match on September 24, at Holkar Stadium.
