It certainly was a blockbuster game to begin both Australia and India’s cricket World Cup campaign, as two of arguably the strongest sides faced off in Chennai, the atmosphere was sure to be excellent. Pat Cummins called correct at the toss and decided to bat, on a Chennai surface with lots of cracks, and a very dry pitch, favoring the bowlers, especially the spinners, which India has ample of, having Kuldeep Jadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin. India seemed ahead of the victory before the game began, however, breaking news spread out before the toss that the world number 2 batter in ODI, and India’s maestro batter, Shubman Gill.
The game began with Jasprit Bumrah getting a big breakthrough off the big hitter, Mitchell Marsh, who got out for a duck after facing 6 balls, and India was at a roll, for 5-1. India was also positive in the field, throwing the ball at the stumps even if they knew they wouldn’t get a run-out. However, then Steve Smith came out to bat for Australia, a brilliant batter who could’ve been the best batter in the world at his peak. He began by hitting a marvelous front foot cover drive bowled by Jasprit Bumrah. Both Steve Smith and David Warner continued hitting boundaries, especially of Hardik Pandya, who they both hit 21 runs off his two overs bowled. However, after the powerplay, India brought the spinners in who put the pressure. Dot balls and 1 run balls were frequent when the spinners bowled. Not only this but there were many close calls for LBW, however, they were all turned down by the umpire and not reviewed further by India. Australia eventually mounted a massive 69-run partnership. However, Kuldeep Yadav, or the man with the ‘golden arm’ got a magical catch and bowl after David Warner hit it back. This happened after many previous dot balls, and those dot balls mounted the pressure and eventually David Warner succumbed to that pressure. During that ball, Kuldeep Yadav improvised his bowling and put his full grip on the ball, so if the batter hit the seam, it would do one thing and if it hit the leather it would do something else.
With Kuldeep Yadav having a reputation for getting new batters out early, Marnus Labushane, who was next in for Australia, had a big task ahead of him. It took a start, but eventually, the batters started finding their rhythm. However, Kuldeep Yadav was still awe inspiring, whose economy was a surprising and exceptional 3.00 runs per over. India tried to put Muhammad Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja into to bowl to rattle the partnership that was still building between Labushane and Smith. Ravindra Jadeja nearly got a breakthrough straight after drinks, on the first ball after Smith hit it down the ground, aiming for six, but Muhammad Siraj, the fielder was too far back to catch it. The Australian run rate was very frustrating, as I was rooting for them, however, remembering the bowling strength they have, kind of relived my anxiety. Then, Ravindra Jadeja took my hopes away. With the beauty of a googly ball, Steve Smith could do nothing but watch as the ball crashed back onto the stumps. Smith walked, four short of a half-ton. Soon, the bad situation turned into a terrible one. Marnus Labushane tried to hit the ball, but it was an outstanding catch by KL Rahul. The umpire agreed with the Indian players on the decision, however, Marnus Labushane was against the idea. He reviewed it, but eventually like the decision, he fell prey. Then, two balls later, calamity struck. One of our last recognised batters, Alex Carey got out for a duck for LBW. I, along with many Australian fans was now raging, thinking if we could even survive until the 50th over. Unfortunately, as I live in Australia, it was already approaching 10 p.m., and I had to hit the bed. In the morning, I watched the highlights and saw the embarrassing 199 all-out score for Australia, and hoped that next game, they would improve their batting score. But their bowling was scintillating, getting off for 2-3 against India!!! However, Mitch Marsh, who was also disappointed in the batting dropped a dolly that would’ve got Virat Kohli out, and if that had happened, the game would’ve had a completely different ending.
*Lots of credit to India for playing amazing, and see you on the 14th for the blockbuster game, India vs Pakistan!*