In what seemed like a carbon copy of the first ODI, Australia won the toss once again and elected to bat first against India in the 2nd ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The audience viewing the match could have been mistaken to think that the first ODI between these two sides is being replayed. As the proceedings were quite eerily similar to what had happened in the first match. While the Aussies had scored 374-6 in the first ODI, they ended up scoring 389-4 this time.
Were there any team changes made by the two teams?
Winning the toss seemed like a bonus for Australian captain, Aaron Finch who had no hesitations in batting first. Australia were forced to make one change as Marcus Stoinis wasn’t completely fit. He was replaced by Moises Henriques who also is a batting all-rounder providing the Aussies the same balance.
While India went in with the same team which played the first ODI. The team management seems to have shown faith in the team and that is always a good place to be. There was much anticipation about left arm pacer T. Natarajan making his debut but it wasn’t to be.
How did the innings kickstart?
Indians started quite well but that didn’t last long. Jasprit Bumrah started his spell with a maiden over to Finch but soon lost his radar. David Warner was harsh on anything which was loose and raced to a half century within 12 overs. Finch too reached his 50 with a six but his tempo was quite sedate. The Australian openers notched up an opening stand of 142 before Mohammad Shami prized out Finch with a good delivery. 1 wicket brought 2 as Warner needlessly went for a second run and was yards short. The fielder in action was Shreyas Iyer who fired in a fine throw from long off.
Did those 2 wickets change the momentum or there was an encore?
Much like what happened in the first match, Steve Smith walked in with a clear purpose. He picked the bowlers and the field beautifully. His 50 came up in just 38 balls while he raced to a century in just 62 balls. It was an onslaught to behold. The way Smith played it seemed as he was a man possessed. The likes of Navdeep Saini and Yuzvendra Chahal were completely taken to the cleaners. Thanks to Hardik Pandya who stepped in to bowl that he managed to take out Steve Smith for 104. But the carnage didn’t end there, the combination of Glenn Maxwell and Marnus Labuschagne piled up on the misery . Their all 5 top order batsmen ended up scoring a half century.
Can India chase down such a big score?
The pitch seems to have good bounce and carry which should make the contest exciting. There will be a lot of pressure on the batting team but miracles do happen in cricket, India will be hoping for one.
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