Australia Secures Series Lead Against India
Australia has clinched a commanding 2-0 lead in the series against India, following a thrilling two-wicket triumph at Adelaide Oval, thanks in part to the exceptional performance of newcomer Cooper Connolly.
In pursuit of a 265-run target, Australia achieved their goal in the 47th over, bolstered by Connolly’s first-ever ODI half-century, with valuable contributions from No. 3 Matt Short and all-rounder Mitchell Owen.
Earlier in the match, India managed to score 264 runs after opener Xavier Bartlett wreaked havoc among their batting lineup, while spinner Adam Zampa dismantled the middle order.
The third ODI between the two teams is set to commence at Adelaide Oval this Saturday, with the first ball scheduled for 2:30 PM AEDT.
Hazlewood’s Remarkable Spell
Despite England’s batters expressing confidence, they were surely concerned watching Josh Hazlewood bowl. Hazlewood, who had been excluded from BBC Sport’s combined Ashes XI, delivered an astonishing spell of 0-29 from ten overs, including 43 dot balls and a staggering 45% false shot percentage, showcasing his dominant ability despite not taking any wickets.
Although Hazlewood didn’t pick up any wickets, he put immense pressure on Indian batsmen Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, demonstrating skill that left commentary teams in awe. Former players noted that he easily could have taken multiple wickets on another day.
Kohli’s Struggles in Farewell Tour
Virat Kohli’s farewell visit to Australia has not unfolded as hoped. After retiring from Tests and T20Is, he faced yet another dismissal during Thursday’s match, marking the first time in his ODI career that he’s been out for a duck in consecutive innings, leaving many fans disappointed.
Kohli fell victim to Bartlett and was caught LBW just four balls into his innings. Despite his historical success at Adelaide Oval, where he has scored numerous runs and celebrated major milestones, his recent form has raised questions regarding his future in ODI cricket as he battles for his place in the lineup ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Selection Dilemma Ahead of World Cup
As Australia aims for a strong performance heading into the World Cup, Matt Short and Cooper Connolly made significant contributions in the second ODI, stabilizing the middle order. Both players faced pressure to perform, with Short achieving a career-best score of 74 and Connolly marking an impressive 61 not out.
The success of these two players, particularly against a strong Indian bowling attack, poses a selection dilemma for the team as they vie for spots in the upcoming World Cup, especially with established players like Cameron Green set to return.
