Thaindian News

Sydney, Feb 1 (IANS) India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said his decision to field in the first T20 International against Australia backfired, leading to a 31-run defeat at the ANZ Stadium here Wednesday.

“There is always a tomorrow. We started well with the bat but could not capitalise. Matthew Wade batted really well for Australia,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.

On choosing to field first, Dhoni said: “I feel so (that he erred in his decision), especially the way the wicket behaved in the second innings. It was worse to bat in the second innings.”

Australia captain George Bailey, who played his first match for Australia in any format, hoped to continue the winning run in second T20 at Melbourne Friday.

“It was an all-round performance. I am very excited to win the game. Our fielding and bowling was outstanding,” Bailey said.

“There is a great feeling around Australian cricket at the moment. We hope to continue the same performance in Melbourne.”

Australia’s win was set up by wicketkeeper batsman Matthew Wade, who hit a sublime 72 off 43 balls. The man of the match said came up with his “best”.

“That is probably the best I have played for quite a while.

“(Coach) Mickey Arthur told me yesterday that I would be opening. And I thought there was no point competing with (David) Warner, he is the best hitter in the game. So I played to my strengths.”