India National Cricket Team skipper Rohit Sharma said that they were happy with the way things panned out in the pink-ball tour game against Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI as they got what they wanted.
The Rohit Sharma-led India locked out with Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. It was originally a 2-day pink-ball game, but the first day was washed out. Hence it was converted into a one-day match.
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Rohit Sharma failed badly
India won the toss and elected to bowl first in the match. They made this decision because they wanted to bat during the nighttime against the pink ball.
The bowlers did a good job and bowled out Australia’s PM XI for 240 in the 46-over-per-side contest. Then, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal once again opened for India, hinting that this is the new opening pair of the team in Test cricket.
Notably, Rahul opened with Jaiswal in the Perth Test as Rohit skipped the match due to the birth of his second child. The Rahul-Jaiswal duo did a great job against the Aussies, and looking at this, the Indian captain seems to have sacrificed his opening spot.
Coming back to the tour match, Rahul (27) and Jaiswal (45) batted well and, along with returning Shubman Gill (50), made full use of the match.
However, Rohit wasn’t able to do that as he failed badly. He got out for 11-ball 3 while chasing the ball on the 5th stump. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy (42), Washington Sundar (42) and Ravindra Jadeja (27) batted well and guided India to a 6-wicket win.
It was fantastic – Rohit Sharma
Speaking to the presenter after winning the trophy, Rohit Sharma said that they were unlucky that the first day was washed out, but added that they made good use of the limited time they got in the middle.
“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,” he said.
Rohit Sharma further expressed his delight over getting home-like support in Canberra, as a lot of Indian fans were present in the stadium. He said:
“Absolutely fantastic (to see the crowd). 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.”
Some big players have represented this team and it has been a nice, few days – Jack Edwards
Jack Edwards, Prime Minister’s XI captain, also lauded his players for doing a good job in the match and giving a solid fight to India. He said:
“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.”
Notably, the teenage sensation Sam Konstas emerged as the best performer for the Aussies as he blasted 97-ball 107 and won the Player of the Match award. Speaking after winning it, he said, “It was a good experience. Thanks to the supporters for coming.”