Spin trio of Ashwin, Jadeja and Axar impressed again as they powered India to 64 run win in second tour game against Western Australia.
Manish Pandey
The spin trio picked up 2 wickets each and defended the total of 249 easily. Captain Bosisito was the first wicket to go down; Umesh Yadav had Bosito caught behind during 10 over of the innings before Ashwin picked up his first wicket of DM Short. As soon as Ashwin and Jadeja were introduced WA batsman were unable to rotate strike and played too many dot balls. Ashwin returned with figures of 2 for 32 whereas Jadeja finished with 2 for 38 in their quota of 10 overs. Axar Patel also fighting for his spot in the final XI didn’t disappoint as he returned with figures of 2 for 29 in 8 overs. Rishi Dhawan also chipped in with 2 wickets and young left arm bowler Barinder Sran was again impressive with his pace and swing. J Morgan was only half centurion for the Western Australia, he struck 4 boundaries and 1 six of Jadeja over deep mid-wicket on his way to 66 ball 50. Jake Carder was second best scoring 45 of 73 balls.
Batting first India didn’t look impressive at all. Heroes from last match Dhawan fell early in 2nd over only and soon Kohli followed him leaving India 19 for 2 in 6th over of the game. Rahane joined Rohit Sharma in the middle and stabilized India batting with an 88 run partnership before Rahane fell for well-made 41 in 53 balls. Rohit completed his well compiled half century 82 ball 67 before being caught brilliant at First slip by DJ Short, coming in to bat No. 5 Gurkeerat Singh fighting for a spot in final XI failed to leave a mark as his innings lasted on 13 balls. Manish Pandey another playing looking for place in the XI didn’t disappoint as he guided Indian total to a respectable 249. Pandey looked in complete control and rotated the strike at will. Pandey struck 3 boundaries in his innings of 58. Will Pandey make the cut ahead of Gurkeerat in the final XI only time will tell. DN Portner was pick of the bowlers, he took 5 wickets for 37 runs. James Muirhed young Victorian spinner also impressed with his leg spin as he returned with figures of 2/55 in 10 overs.
Overall India would be quite happy with the two practice matches as most of the batsman got runs and bowlers found good rhythm ahead of the First ODI. Barinder Sran and Manish Pandey impressed and would be looking to play in the first ODI. India plays Australia on 12th in first ODI at Perth. It would be an exciting series as top two ICC ODI teams would be battling it out against each other.
Tags: Cricket, India, Manish Pandey, ODI, Rohit Sharma, Western Australia
