Cricket: Clarke ecstatic after Australia draw first blood

Back to losing ways for India after 85-run loss in 1st ODI of tri-nation series.

MELBOURNE:

Australia captain Michael Clarke was fulsome in praise for debutant Matthew Wade after the hosts clinched the opening One-Day International (ODI) against India of the tri-nation series.

Wade clubbed 67 off 69 balls in a man-of-the-match performance and David Hussey chipped in with a brisk unbeaten 61 as Australia made 216 for five off a rain-reduced 32 overs before India were restricted to 151 off 29.4 overs.

Clarke said the team needed to go after the bowling once rain interrupted their innings when Australia were 35 for two in 11 overs.

“We knew we only had 21 overs after the break,” said Clarke. “Wade was outstanding on debut. David continued his good form, and Michael Hussey keeps getting runs in all forms of the game.”

His opposite number was not too thrilled after India’s poor run continued. MS Dhoni, who saw his team lose the Test series 4-0 before they levelled the two Twenty20s, admitted his side underperformed.

“Once they came back after the break, they went after our bowling,” said Dhoni. “Our loose deliveries were too loose. That was the difference. We didn’t get off to a good start in the chase.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2012.