Struggling India looking for first win

A loss against Australia would leave them teetering on the brink.

After losing both their opening games convincingly, and conceding a bonus point to England in the process, India now have to win against Australia if they are to avoid having to beat England by a bonus point to qualify for the tri-series final.

The world champions have struggled in the opening two matches, especially with the bat. Rohit Sharma’s century in the opening match against Australia was the only contribution to write home about, but the opener has been ruled out of the tie due to injury.

The bowlers have also struggled, having taken only seven wickets in the two matches so far, but have been given below par scores to defend in the first place.

On the other hand, hosts Australia are already into the final after winning their three matches so far and seem to be in menacing form as players click with both bat and ball.

In the previous meeting between the two sides, Mitchell Starc claimed figures of 6-43 and the Indians will need to think of a way to counter the young left-armer.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th,  2015.

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