IND beat AUS PM XI by six wickets in Canberra
Rain prevented India from having match practice on the first day, therefore a 46-overs-a-side match was played on the second day to ensure the visitors had all-around playing time. India chose to bowl and bowled out Australia Prime Minister’s XI for 240, with pacer Harshit Rana showcasing impressive statistics of 4 for 44. India chose to test skipper and consistent opener Rohit Sharma at number four batting after he returned to the team.
Rohit fell for three from eleven balls, which did not go well for the visitors. India’s leading scores were Yashasvi Jaiswal (45) and Shubman Gill (retired injured on 50). Since it was a practice match, the Indian innings went to their allotted 46 overs, but the Rohit-led team prevailed by 6 wickets.
At Canberra’s Manuka Oval, Rohit had previously won the toss and chosen to bowl first. Matthew Renshaw and Jayden Goodwin were dismissed for single-figure scores by Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep early on with the new ball. After the rain stopped play, each team was only allowed to play 46 overs.
As they reached limits, Konstas and Jack Clayton controlled the action. Konstas aimed his bats more aggressively. Before breaking the partnership by dismissing Clayton, who made 40 runs from 52 balls, Rana went for plenty. His delivery was fuller, and he knocked Oliver Davies down. He delivered short balls at skipper Jack Edwards and Sam Harper, who were caught in the deep by Prasidh Krishna, in his next over, full of confidence. When Krishna fired Aidan O’Connor, the decline proceeded. From 131/3, Prime Minister’s XI moved to 138/7.
As India sought to employ their spinners, Konstas and Hanno Jacobs stabilised the ship. Konstas needed ninety balls to reach his century. In the 38th over of the innings, Deep got rid of him. The youthful opener hit 14 fours and a six in his 107 runs off 97 balls. Jacobs went on a rampage, hitting two sixes and four fours in his 60-ball 61. In 43.2 overs, the Prime Minister’s XI was bowled out for 240, with Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja taking one wicket each.
Instead of giving the Australian think-tank data, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah chose to face each other in the nets, demonstrating the tactical nature of the Indian team management.
It’s interesting to note that Ravichandran Ashwin, who did not participate in the Perth Test, was spotted in the nets, mostly bowling to Kohli. In the most recent Pink-ball Test in Adelaide in 2020–21, Ashwin claimed four wickets.
However, Ravindra Jadeja batted for a while and took a few overs.
Rohit dropped to number four and continued to use the opening pairing of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He edged one to the slips under the lights, though, and his own playing time was restricted to 11 deliveries.
For India, Gill’s batting was the most significant development. Mahli Beardman’s broken left thumb has fully healed, and he is prepared to participate in the Adelaide match, according to a cracked square cut that was originally removed from him.
The second pink ball Test between Australia and India will begin at the Adelaide Oval on Friday. With the decisive victory, India now leads the series 1-0.
Rohit Sharma, India captain: “It was fantastic. We got what we wanted as a group. Little unlucky we could not get the whole game. Whatever time we got, we tried to make the most of it and we got whatever (out of what) we had in front of us. Absolutely fantastic. We love to come to Australia and we love to see them come out and support us. Never been a time when they have come here and not turned up. Really nice to see people coming in and supporting us.”
Jack Edwards, Prime Minister’s XI captain: “He played exceptionally. Good for Scotty, he bowled some overs. Very nice honour. Some big players have represented this team and it has been a nice, few days for the team.”
Sam Konstas is the Player of the Match: “It was a good experience. Thanks to the supporters for coming.”
Brief Scores: Australia PM XI 240 in 43.2 over (Sam Konstas 107, Hanno Jacobs 61, Jack Clayton 40, Harshit Rana 4/44, Akash Deep 2/58).
India 257 for 5 in 46 overs (Shubman Gill retd 50 no, KL Rahul retd 27 no, Yashasvi Jaiswal 45, Nitish Kumar Reddy 42, Ravindra Jadeja 27, Washington Sundar 42 no).
