What didn’t start out to be a promising batting display by the Aussie batsman was later capitalised by a brilliant display of bowling and fielding to send India all out for 153.
Our guys only managed to put 203 on the board but that proved to be easily defendable, and in doing so restricted India to 153 and claimed the bonus point.
On a serious note our batting hasn’t met the standards it should and for our top order should be a cause for concern.
All round in this tournament the batting hasn’t been a spectacle but I must make special comment on Michael Clarke’s (MAN-OF-THE-MATCH) batting not only in this particular game but this entire series.
Pup saved our batting with his knock of 79 off 108 deliveries. He managed to place 6 fours with his usual brilliance in stroke playing.
Brad Hogg gave Pup good support in his well-needed 32 runs.
It is important our top order knuckle down soon and secure that brilliance that they possess. In conjunction with our bowling it will give us that fierce depth that gets us into the winners seat more often than not.
If anything that is the only issue to address in the Australian camp.
Not much to be said upon the bowling front.
Even without the presence of Brett Lee our bowlers stuck to their game plan, dug into their abilities and tore through the Indian batting line up at very important intervals.
Adam Gilchrist took 4 catches and a lightning fast stumping.
His final catch, which wrapped up the Indian line-up, was a superb right-handed dive off Nathan Bracken’s bowling.
Nathan Bracken was as usual economically outstanding and remains the top wicket taker in this tournament. His figures were 2/21.
Mitchell Johnson proved his ability is just beginning to breach claiming 3/42.
Brad Hogg spun his way to 2/30 and James Hopes fought hard and is slowly looking to secure a place in this ODI squad. He ended with 2/16.
Good to see an exciting game with our guys been challenged again, but this time we weren’t shot down!
I am very confident we are going to make the final if our bowling stays as outstanding as it has been and especially if we can just get those shots flowing (as in our batting, definitely not at the pubs) and our top order unleashes that World Cup dominance, victory will be very much in sight, I have no doubt at this point in our Aussie team!
* REMAINING AUSSIE FIXTURES FOR THE COMMONWEALTH BANK SERIES:
Fri 22 Australia vs Sri-Lanka MCG, Melbourne - ODI (D/N)
Sun 24 Australia vs India SCG, Sydney - ODI (D/N)
Fri 29 Australia vs Sri-Lanka MCG, Melbourne - ODI (D/N)
MARCH 08
Sun 2 TBC vs TBC, SCG, Sydney - ODI - 1st Final
Tue 4 TBC vs TBC, GABBA, Brisbane - ODI (D/N) - 2nd "
Fri 7 TBC vs TBC, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - ODI (D/N) - 3rd "
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