Indian National Cricket Team skipper Rohit Sharma said they were happy with the way things went in their pink-ball tour match against Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI as they got what they wanted.
Rohit Sharma-led India locked horns with Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. It was originally a 2-day pink ball game, but the first day was overrun. Hence, it was converted into a one-day match.
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Rohit Sharma failed miserably
India won the toss and were elected to bowl first in the match. They took this decision because they wanted to bat overnight against the pink ball.
The bowlers did a good job and bowled out Australia’s PM XI for 240 in the 46-over-per-side contest. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal then opened for India again, hinting that this is the team’s new opening pair in Test cricket.
Notably, Rahul opened with Jaiswal in the Perth Test as Rohit missed the match due to the birth of his second child. The Rahul-Jaiswal duo did a great job against the Aussies, and seeing that, the Indian captain seems to have sacrificed his top spot.
Returning to the tour match, Rahul (27) and Jaiswal (45) played well and, along with the returning Shubman Gill (50), made full use of the match.
However, Rohit could not do that as he failed miserably. He got out for 11-ball 3 while chasing the ball at 5th stump. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy (42), Washington Sundar (42) and Ravindra Jadeja (27) batted well and guided India to a 6-wicket win.
It was fantastic – Rohit Sharma
Speaking to the anchor after winning the trophy, Rohit Sharma said they were unlucky that the first day was washed out but added that they made good use of the limited time they had in between.
“It was fantastic. We got what we wanted as a team. A bit unlucky we couldn’t get the whole game. Whatever time we got, we tried to make the most of it and took what (of it) we had in front of us,” he said.
Rohit Sharma further expressed his delight at the home-like support in Canberra as many Indian fans were present at the stadium. He said:
“Absolutely fantastic (to see the crowd). We love coming to Australia and we love seeing them come out and support us. There’s never been a time when they’ve come here and not performed. It’s great to I see people coming and supporting us.”
Some great players have represented this team and it’s been a good few days – Jack Edwards
Jack Edwards, captain of the Prime Minister’s XI, also praised his players for doing a good job in the match and giving India a tough fight. He said:
“He bowled brilliantly. Good for Scotty, bowled a couple of overs. Very good credit. Some big players represented this team and it’s been a good few days for the team.”
Notably, teenager Sam Konstas emerged as the man of the match for the Aussies as he blasted a 97-ball 107 to win the man of the match award. Speaking after winning it, he said, “It was a good experience. Thanks to the supporters who came.”
