Rohit”s ton goes in vain again as Australia beat India in 2nd ODI: “Cricket” is not all about winning and losing…more importantly it is an honour for cricketers to represent their country at the highest level. For them, it is all about giving their best when given a chance and from there onwards to a certain extent luck also matters. They are the best in the business and that is why they are out there. It is never easy playing in front of a massive crowd but still they play their hearts out aiming to make their country and fans proud. India are no different here as they did try their best in both ODIs but somewhere down the line Australia were better on the given day.
When 2 tough sides meet in the middle, some great action is always on the cards. Australia took on India at the Gabba, Brisbane on 15th January 2016 for the 2nd ODI. A bright and sunny day welcomed both teams. The pitch looked great and one expected this game too, to be a high scoring one. Winning the toss, India opted to bat first. India made only one change going into this encounter as Ishant Sharma came in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. As for the Australian’s… Richardson, Shaun Marsh and Hastings were in for Hazlewood, Warner and Mitch Marsh.
Once again Shikhar Dhawan did not meet the expectations of fans as he went out cheaply after scoring a mere 6 runs. From there on, Rohit Sharma teamed up with Virat Kohli and both together looked to pile on runs for their side. Rohit continued from where he had left off in the previous game. He yet again played some great shots and got yet another brilliant century. Rohit was lucky to reach his 10th ODI century in style. Virat Kohli on the other hand supported Rohit well and did not mind playing second fiddle. The duo looked to get a mammoth total on the board. In the meantime Kohli got run out on 59 runs.
Mr Consistent, Ajinkya Rahane walked out in the middle to accompany his Mumbai mate Rohit Sharma. Both together looked to take the attack back to the opposition. Both wanted to score as many runs as possible. Sadly Rohit had to depart after scoring 124 runs, as Rahane’s straight drive brushed James Faulkner’s fingers and went on to hit the stumps… Rohit being out of his crease had to return to the dressing room after a great blistering knock, as he was given run out. Ajinkya too showed great character as he stuck in there and contributed a good 89 runs of 80 balls, hitting 6 fours and 1 six. Skipper MS Dhoni was caught by Maxwell of Boland’s delivery as he managed just 11 runs while Manish Pandey too disappointed with the bat getting out on 6 runs. Jadeja was the last man to be dismissed of the last ball as he scored 5 runs. The tourists ended their innings with 308 runs on the board, one less of what they scored in their previous game.
India did get off to a good start and at one stage it looked as if they could manage a score of 350 runs, but Australia did well to pull things back. Faulkner was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped 2/64 in 10 overs while his team mates Joel Paris, John Hastings and Scott Boland picked 1 each.
When the Aussies came out to bat, they were charged up to chase down the total as they had done it in the past as well. Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh were at their best as they stitched together a partnership of 100 plus runs before Jadeja picked up the wicket of Finch (71 runs). Marsh on the other end looked to take things further as he wanted to make most of the opportunity. He blasted a great 71 runs in 84 balls, hitting 5 fours. Smith was dismissed on 46 runs after being bowled by an Umesh Yadav delivery. From there onwards Bailey (76 runs) and Maxwell (26 runs) took Australia home.
In the end Australia won by 7 wickets. A record was broken at the Gabba as the hosts chased down the highest score recorded at this ground. For the Indian’s Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Jadeja picked 1 wicket each. Though India were at the losing end, Rohit Sharma was the Man of the Match for his outstanding innings of 124 runs. Another sad day for him as his team ended up losing.
From here on, India need to win their next match otherwise all will be over as Australia already lead the series 2-0. The visitors need to sit and address their concerns before it is too late. But be sure that they will bounce back no matter what, as they too are a champion side.
Brief Scores
India: 308/8 (50 overs)
Australia: 309/3 (49 overs)
RESULT: Australia won by 7 wickets
Man of the Match: Rohit Sharma for his 124 runs
