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In the second ODI between India and Australia at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, Team India showcased their skills, securing a commanding 99-run victory (DLS method) and clinching the series. The Men in Blue were invited to bat first and they amassed a massive 399/5 on the scoreboard.
The Indian batting lineup delivered an exceptional performance, with Shubman Gill scoring 104 off 97 balls, and Shreyas Iyer contributing a splendid 105 off 90 deliveries, both registering centuries. Suryakumar Yadav added to the fireworks with an explosive 72 not out off 37 balls, while stand-in captain KL Rahul chipped in with a stylish 52 off 48 balls.
In response, Australia found themselves at 56/2 after nine overs when rain intervened, forcing a revision of the target through the DLS method.
Warner’s unconventional right-handed batting
In a memorable moment during the game, David Warner, faced with the challenge of an improbable target of 317 runs in 33 overs and a spinning pitch, decided to bat right-handed against Ravichandran Ashwin. Despite the unconventional approach, the 36-year-old Australian opener showcased his adaptability by slamming a quickfire half-century. However, Ashwin had the final say as he dismissed Warner when the latter attempted a switch hit, resulting in the ball striking his pads in front of the stumps. The umpire raised his finger, and Warner didn’t review the decision. Subsequently, it was revealed by UltraEdge that there was an inside edge from Warner’s bat, making his dismissal somewhat unfortunate.
Also WATCH: David Warner bats right-handed against Ravichandran Ashwin; departs after neglecting to review the LBW decision – IND vs AUS 2023
Abbott reveals Warner’s clever batting strategy
In the post-match press conference, Sean Abbott shed light on the intriguing reason behind Warner’s decision to bat right-handed against Ashwin. Abbott revealed that the main purpose of Warner’s unconventional stance was to disrupt Ashwin’s rhythm. The southpaw believed that Ashwin, a master of spin bowling, would have been in a prime position to dominate the game had Warner continued to bat left-handed.
“I think if Davey’s just going to sit there and bat left-handed, Ashwin is not going to miss his length too often. With the ball spinning so much, he’s got the one that goes the other way, the straighter one, and all the variations along with that. Davey just thought he had to change it up,” Abbott said.
Abbott also cheekily remarked that Warner’s golfing skills, where he plays right-handed, and his regular practice of reverse and switch hits in the nets, made it a strategic choice to bat right-handed.
“He plays golf right-handed, we see how dynamic he is with his switch-hitting and stuff, so he weighed up those options,” he added. “He’s done it before, he practices it in the nets, so it was like ‘oh this is different’, but Davey’s Davey, so we just let him crack on,” the 31-year-old concluded.
India’s spin mastery and Australia’s spirited resistance
India’s spin duo of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja showcased their mastery over spin bowling, each claiming three crucial wickets and effectively dismantling the Australian batting lineup.
Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna contributed to the team’s early success with two-vital breakthroughs. The only resistance, apart from Warner, in Australia’s innings came from Abbott, who emerged as the lone warrior, managing to cross the 50-run mark with a spirited 54 off 36 balls. Nevertheless, his efforts were insufficient to steer Australia to victory as India’s bowlers, backed by their dominant batting display, had set an imposing target.
