Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron urged the fans and the team management not to get too perturbed after the comprehensive seven-wicket drubbing at the hands of Australia in the first ODI at the Optus Stadium on Sunday, October 19.
In the rain-curtailed 26-over contest, India struggled against the seam and bounce that the spicy track in Perth offered. The famed Indian batting lineup looked all at sea as the Australian pacers wreaked havoc. However, Aaron believes that the Adelaide Oval, venue for the second ODI, should be much better for batting, and Shubman Gill and Co. should find it comparatively easier to score runs.
“I believe the Adelaide surface will suit the Indians much more than what we saw today. It won’t have as much bounce, will be more even-paced, and there should be less lateral movement,” Aaron said while talking to JioHotstar after the match.
He also advised the Men in Blue to stay calm and consider the Perth defeat as a learning experience rather than a major cause of concern.
“The key for India is not to press the panic button too early. It’s only their first match outside the subcontinent in a long time, so some adjustment is natural. If they lose the second game, there might be concern, but for now, it’s just one of those days. Somebody has to win, somebody has to lose, and today, Australia were simply the better team,” he added.
The Asian giants were restricted to 136/9 in 26 overs after rain stopped play on multiple occasions. KL Rahul top-scored for India with a 31-ball 38. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood and Matthew Kuhnemann bagged two wickets apiece. The DLS revised target for Australia was 131.
In the second innings, Australia lost the wickets of Travis Head and Matthew Short inside the first eight overs. However, Josh Philippe played a counter-attacking knock of 37 off 29 balls to take Australia to the brink. Skipper Mitchell Marsh (46*) and Matt Renshaw (21*) took the hosts to victory in 21.1 overs.
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