After a 10-wicket thrashing in Mumbai, India are keen to draw level in Rajkot and prevent their second straight ODI series loss against Australia at home.
Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who did not take to the field in the second innings of the first ODI at Mumbai due to a concussion he suffered in the first innings will not take part in the second ODI at Rajkot which will be played today.Pant, who was struck on the helmet by a Pat Cummins bouncer in the first ODI, was subsequently ruled out with a concussion. KL Rahul, who took the gloves in his absence in Australia’s innings, is likely to continue in the role.
It is less clear where Rahul will bat. Usually an opener, Rahul slotted in at No.3 in Mumbai, with Virat Kohli pushing himself down to No.4. However, with India having posted a below-par total, the management is expected to revisit the line-up. Pant’s absence could also allow them to play all-rounder Kedar Jadhav, who can prop up the bowling as well.
Australia aren’t expected to make many changes. Their bowling attack performed to a plan and they’ll be keen for more of the same. Aaron Finch and David Warner’s tremendous knocks at the top of the order didn’t allow a chance for Marnus Labuschagne to bat on his debut, and all eyes will be on him in the second game.
India’s modest total of 255 after being asked to bat was a breeze for Warner and Finch to chase down in a record-breaking unbeaten opening stand. The hosts couldn’t capitalise on a strong second-wicket partnership of 121 between Shikhar Dhawan and Rahul. Australia’s pacers shared seven wickets between them, as India’s middle order rolled over. A usually formidable Indian bowling attack was then taken apart. Warner was emphatic in his 112-ball 128*, while Finch contributed 110* to wrap up the chase in 37.4 overs.
India captain Virat Kohli said,I think people need to relax and not panic with one game, I’m allowed to experiment a little bit and fail as well at times. You lose games here and there.
Australia opener David Warner said,I have a hunger and a desire to score runs all the time. I look back at that little phase there [in England] and it was just a small hiccup. I wasn’t out of form, I was out of runs.
It’s sunny and pleasant in Rajkot, with highs of 24°C on Friday. The last international match at the stadium was India’s win against Bangladesh in a T20I in November, when Rohit Sharma’s 82 off 43 balls proved the surface was a good one on which to bat.
