Thaindian News

Melbourne, Feb 5 (IANS) India’ joy at winning their first match on the Australian tour was short-lived as they slumped to a 65-run defeat against the hosts in the tri-series opener Sunday. India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni attributed the loss to an ordinary bowling performance.

Australia were struggling at 35 for two in eleven overs before the rain gods provided the home team some respite. After the rain-break, Australia looked a totally different line-up, plundering 181 runs in 21 overs to set a 217-run target in 32 overs.

“Once they came back after the break, they went after our bowling. Our loose deliveries were too loose. That was the difference. And we did not get off to a good start in the chase,” said Dhoni at the post-match presentation after India were bowled out for 151.

Dhoni also said the lack of partnerships in India’s reply, saying that the turning point of the match came when Virat Kohli (31) and Rohit Sharma (21) were dismissed in quick succession.

“That was a crucial time after the Powerplay overs. If only we could have built the partnership (Kohli-Rohit). We have the self-belief. That comes with the youngsters.”

The Indian spinners had a day to forget. Besides Rahul Sharma, both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja looked completely out of sorts. Ashwin gave away 48-runs in his five overs.

Jadeja did little to justify the $2 million bid by Chennai Super Kings for his services in the Indian Premier League. The all-rounder was taken to the cleaners, giving away 41-runs in just 2.4 overs.

On the other hand, Dhoni’s counterpart Michael Clarke had reasons to smile and lavished praise on his players, some of whom played in the domestic Big Bash League.

“It is nice to win, great start, the guys who have been playing the Big Bash were perfectly suited to this game. We knew we only had 21 overs after the break. Wade was outstanding on debut,” said Clarke.

Clarke was also quick to praise veterans Michael Hussey and Rick Ponting, both of whom were criticised heavily before the start of the Test series that the Aussies won 4-0.

“David Hussey continued his form, and Michael Hussey keeps getting runs in all forms of the game. His (Ponting’s) body is of a 32-33 year-old. He is catching well.”