India's rough patch in the One-Day Internationals (ODI) continued, as they suffered a 60-run loss to Australia in the second ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday. The win left the Indians with a series defeat, as it was also their fifth consecutive ODI loss. Meanwhile, we analyse the talking points, the match presented.
undefined
Powerplay drought hurting Indians: Today was the fifth consecutive instance of the Indians failing to scalp a single wicket during the powerplay. This is undoubtedly hurting the Indians, as it is allowing the Australian openers to set the pace and platform for a challenging total.
undefined
Finch are Warner look unstoppable: It was once again the opening pair of Aaron Finch and David Warner, who set the pace for the innings with a 142-run stand. While Finch took his time to play a composed innings, Warner was combustible, playing in a free-flowing manner, boosting the run-rate and setting the platform for a high total. Undoubtedly, they look unstoppable.
undefined
Pandya resuming bowling raises eyebrows: As much as fans were wishing for Pandya to come back to bowling, everyone knew that it would not be worth risking it for the longtime career. But ding dong, Pandya sprung a surprise after he was handed the ball in the 36th over. Nonetheless, he did not bowl for more than four overs, as he claimed 124, dismissing Steve Smith. However, it must be said that it was a high risk taken by both Kohli and Pandya, as it could have risked the latter's bowling career.
undefined
India failing to utilise PP properly: As far as the PP is concerned, the Indians are getting the start required. Nonetheless, they are not utilising it to the fullest. Besides maintaining the required rate, they need to ensure that they don't lose any wickets during the phase. A similar strategy like Finch and Warner, as said above, could work in their favour, and setting the tone for their inningschase.
undefined
Iyer getting carried away: Shreyas Iyer is undoubtedly one of the best players of spin in the current Indian squad. Nonetheless, he has a tendency of getting carried away after hitting successive boundaries. He should start to learn, as to how to contain himself and play as per the condition and situation, and not by impulse.
undefined
Henriques brings Aussies back: Even after the dismissal of the openers, it was Kohli and KL Rahul, who were taking it to the Aussie bowlers. Nonetheless, Moises Henriques did well, bowling a spell of 134 from seven overs, allowing Australia to bounce back and he deserves the due credit for piling pressure on the Indians.
undefined
Catches win matches: The Australians were notable with their catches, as they did not miss out on the straightaway opportunities provided to them. Although most of them were easy ones, the Indians need to ensure the same, as they looked somewhat shaky on the field.
undefined
Warner's injury concern: Australia are already under a setback after all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was ruled out from this match, following a side strain, he suffered during the opening ODI, on Friday. As for today, it was Warner, who has injured his groin and is likely to miss out for some time. It would be interesting to see how the Australians cope up with his absence in the T20Is that follow. Meanwhile, getting him fit for the four Tests would be of utmost concern.
undefined
Match summary: Winning the toss, Finch once again elected to bat first. The openers, Warner and Finch, contributed to a 142-run opening stand, while five batsmen scored 50-plus. Smith, who top-scored with 104, helped the side post 3894. In reply, India did manage to build partnerships, with skipper Virat Kohli top-scoring with 89. Nonetheless, the scoreboard pressure took a toll on them, as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals, thereby falling short by 51 runs, while Pat Cummins claimed 367.
undefined