India vs Australia 2023

'Not so hard it's breakfast for Dhoni' - Fans react to KL Rahul's sharp diving catch to dismiss Steve Smith in 1st ODI

KL Rahul took a sharp diving catch to dismiss Aussie skipper Steve Smith in the first match of three-match ODI series.

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Akshay
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IND vs AUS 1st ODI

IND vs AUS 1st ODI (Image credit: Twitter)

IND vs AUS 1st ODI IND vs AUS 1st ODI (Image credit: Twitter)

The first encounter of the three-match ODI series between India and Australia is underway at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India's stand-in captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to chase. Australia batters crumbled in front of the Indian bowlers as the visitors were bowled out for 188 in 35.4 overs. The two teams recently clashed in the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where India won 2-1, and now shifted their focus to the 50-over contest.

Mohammad Siraj taking early wickets has been common in recent times. The current world No. 1 ODI bowler did not change the trend this time as he dismissed Travis Head for 5 runs in the second over of the game. David Warner, who was ruled out of the Test series due to injury, was out today as he is not fully recovered. Mitchell Marsh replaced the southpaw and played an aggressive innings in the top order along with skipper Steve Smith. Marsh looked set to score his second ODI century but ended up on 81(65) after being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.

The two right-handers put on a 70+ partnership before Smith was sent back to the pavilion by Indian captain Hardik Pandya. After losing Head's wicket early on, Smith and Marsh built up the innings with maintaining a good run rate. However, the former was dismissed by Pandya in the 13th over after KL Rahul took a superb catch by diving to his right behind the stumps as Smith edged the ball.

Indian pacers tore the Aussie batting line-up

The onslaught of the Indian bowlers continued as they took quick wickets and put pressure on the visitors.  Aussie star batter Marnus Labuschagne (15 off 22) was the next prey as Jadeja took a stunning diving catch off Kuldeep Yadav. Mohammad Shammi gave India a double strike by dismissing Josh Inglis and Cameron Green in the 28th and 30th overs. Shami took his third wicket by dismissing Marcus Stonis for 5 runs. Siraj also took three wickets after sending back Sean Abbott and Adam Zampa.

In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan will open the innings along with Shubman Gill. India need 189 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the ODI series. The series is crucial for both teams as the hosts will aim to retain their number one Cricket Governing Body ODI position while the visitors will want to win the series and clinch the number one spot.

Here's how fans reacted to Steve Smith's dismissal: 

 

India Hardik Pandya Australia KL Rahul Steve Smith IND vs AUS