Australia vs. India: Winners and Losers from 1st T20I
India drew first blood in their T20 series against Australia, winning by 37 runs. An epic batting performance from India and some seriously wayward bowling by Australia helped the visitors over the line.
With the World T20 looming, this series is crucial for both sides to fine-tune their lineups and give some of their settled players some game time. We’ve picked some winners and losers from the first T20; add yours in the comments.
Winner: India's Batting
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Aside from Shikhar Dhawan, all of India's batsmen put in an epic performance with strike rates of more than 120.00.
Almost all of them fired from the get-go, and while some dodgy bowling from Australia certainly helped the cause, it's not easy to step up and click right away.
India will be particularly chuffed with Virat Kohli's unbeaten 90 off 55. Kohli is their gun player, and if he can hit form before the World T20, they’ll be pretty confident they can win the competition on home soil.
Loser: Shaun Tait's Extras Column
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Shaun Tait bowled six wides, which means he had to bowl an entire extra over. Tait's got pace, but he struggled for control in this game.
He had the highest economy rate (11.25) of all Australia's bowlers and didn't pick up a single wicket. He was something of a surprise inclusion in the squad, making his first international appearance for five years, and it will be interesting to see how Australia manage him from here.
Loser: Australia's Pace Bowling
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Shaun Tait was poor in terms of control, but all of Australia's front line quicks struggled.
Nobody had an economy rate of under 10.25 and just one—James Faulkner—picked up a wicket. You might argue that pace will play second fiddle to spin on the sub-continental tracks for the World T20, but pace bowling is what the Australians are known for, and to see their bowlers struggle is concerning.
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Loser: Australia's Middle Order
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Australia's middle order struggled to string together meaningful partnerships after the departure of Aaron Finch.
Just one player—Steven Smith—scored more than 20. Chasing big totals in T20s has always been a problem for the Aussies; they have managed to chase a target of 160 or more just once in 16 games.
Winner: Aaron Finch
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Aaron Finch was the shining light of the Australian batting order with his 44 off 33. That might seem slow in T20 terms, but as an opener, that's exactly his role.
Finch built the foundation but did not have the support Australia needed to make something meaningful of it.
Still, at least the captaincy hasn't impacted his batting. Finch averages 40.00 in T20Is now and will be a key player for Australia as they continue their preparations for the World T20.
Winner: Ravi Jadeja
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Ravi Jadeja just can't do any wrong at the moment. Once again, he was the standout bowler with figures of 4-0-21-2.
He had the best economy rate (5.25) from both teams and is sure to be a handful in the upcoming World T20. The Indian surfaces will suit him perfectly, and getting some practice on flatter surfaces now will go a long way in getting him at the top of his game for the tournament.
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