Last Updated on 12 months by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: IND vs AUS World Cup Twitter reactions: Rahul, Kohli & bowlers take down Australia | Twitter reactions to India’s win at Chennai
India have flexed their muscle – and exposed Australia’s weaknesses in the process – with a convincing six-wicket victory in their 2023 World Cup opener at Chennai.
India’s bowlers were excellent in limiting Australia to 199, before Virat Kohli and KL Rahul led the hosts to safety after falling to the depths of 2/3.
Below are some of the key talking points from the encounter, as well as reactions to India’s win.
India’s spin trio hits the ground running
After an excellent opening burst from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, India’s spin trio took no time in getting settled. On a pitch offering turn, and indifferent bounce and pace, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja spun a web around the Australians.
The trio finished with combined figures of 6/104 off 30 overs. Australia got stuck badly in the middle overs, and paid the price in the end.
Smith-Marnus problem in Australia’s shaky middle order
One concern around Australia heading into the tournament was their propensity to lose quick wickets in the middle. After Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne toiled for 36 runs in 10.4 overs together, Australia then went on to lose 5/30 to all but extinguish hopes of kicking off their campaign with a win.
Indeed, how proactive Smith and Labuschagne can be together is key to Australia’s hopes in this tournament. Also, how well the likes of Alex Carey and Cameron Green start against spin is important. On Sunday’s evidence, there are still lots of questions, albeit the game was played on a tricky pitch.
KL Rahul does it again at number 5, Virat Kohli does it again in a chase
From the moment Mitchell Marsh dropped Virat Kohli with the score 20/3, India never looked back. Kohli turned his early intent into a substantial score, running his way to 85 vital runs after India fell to 2/3. His exemplary fitness was once again on show, overcoming the searing Chennai humidity to get India into a winning position.
But, the day belonged to KL Rahul. Yet again, Rahul proved his worth at number five, scoring runs when the team needed them for the umpteenth time this year. His calmness in the early stages was something to behold, eventually shifting gears throughout the innings to finish unbeaten on 97* in an innings that was worthy of holding the bat aloft for a century.
Pat Cummins’ captaincy and Adam Zampa’s form in the spotlight
There were a few interesting decisions by Pat Cummins in the field. Mitchell Starc got just the three overs upfront, while Josh Hazlewood, who just had Virat Kohli dropped, was taken out of the attack after his fourth over.
Yes, it was hot, but the two had their tails up against an India side that had been rocked by three very quick wickets. Another over for each may have yielded a different result.
Also, Cummins’ use of legspinner Adam Zampa left plenty to be desired. The captain didn’t bring on his main spinner until the 18th over. Rahul and Kohli had crossed 20 by that point.
Before yesterday, Zampa had dismissed Kohli five times in ODIs (avg. 46.0) and Rahul four times (avg. 26.0). Australia did not make proper use of those matchups as Zampa struggled with some dew setting in around the 20-over mark, eventually conceding 53 off his eight overs without threatening once.
IND vs AUS World Cup reactions: India too good for shaky Australia
Here are some reactions from India’s six-wicket win over Australia at Chepauk.
Next up for India is Afghanistan at Delhi on Wednesday, October 11. Australia need to win their next game, which will be a tough one against South Africa at Lucknow on Thursday, October 12.
