IND vs AUS: Hardik Hurricane strikes Chennai; sends Smith back for early shower

The ongoing series between India and Australia has been very tough for stand-in skipper Steve Smith. The 33-year-old batter failed to register a single fifty in both the Test and ODI series and ahead of the WTC final and the Ashes, his form will definitely bother the think tank. Notably, in the third ODI, he eventually failed to open his tally as all-rounder Hardik Pandya got the better of him in the 13th over of the match.

Batting at number three, Smith tried to drive but unfortunately couldn’t time it as the ball hit his bat and went straight to wicket-keeper KL Rahul. Post his dismissal, Smith looked upset with himself as he has absolutely failed to live up to the expectations in the ongoing India tour.

On the other hand, Hardik also dismissed Travis Head, who managed to give Australia a perfect start along with Mitchell Marsh. However, he once again failed to take it to the next level as he got out while batting at 33. Notably, the 29-year-old tried to cut Hardik for a boundary but failed to time it as Kuldeep Yadav ran from the third-man region to pick up an easy catch.

BCCI@BCCI

.@hardikpandya7 picks up two quick wickets as Travis Head and Steve Smith depart. Watch the two dismissals here 👇👇 #INDvAUS @mastercardindia

02:41 PM · Mar 22, 2023

3.7K214

David Warner sent to bat at number four

Flamboyant batter David Warner was recovering from an elbow injury and thus, couldn’t play in the first and second ODI of the series. However, he made his return in the third match but to everyone’s surprise, the southpaw was sent to bat at number four.

Notably, the 36-year-old has proved his class time and again as an opener in white-ball cricket but yet so, the team management sent him down the order. Now, ahead of the ODI World Cup, which is slated to begin in October later this year, this move from Australia can be considered to be a bold one. However, whether this is part of a long-term strategy or just a one-off attempt is needed to be seen.

India, on the other hand, didn’t make any changes to their playing XI as Suryakumar Yadav is once again trusted with the responsibility to bat at number four. 

For a better experience: Download the CricTracker app from the IOS App Store and Google Play Store