Australia rout India to take 1-0 lead - India have a contest on their- Navbharat Times Photodhamal

1/8

India have a contest on their hands. MS Dhoni's men started the seven-match limited-overs series as favourites but Australia gave them a rude wake-up call by clinching the first encounter by the huge margin of 72 runs here on Sunday.

In This Pic : Australia cricket team

Pic Courtesy : PTI

2/8

Opener Aaron Finch and captain George Bailey hit destructive half-centuries to help the visitors post a challenging 304/8 after electing to bat. Finch made well-paced 72 and in the company of opening partner Phil Hughes (47) set the launch-pad with a 110-run stand. Bailey then consolidated with a mature 85.

In This Pic : Aaron Finch

Pic Courtesy : PTI

3/8

Then the seamers stepped up to take the Indian batting by the scruff of the neck to dismiss them for 232 with two balls remaining. With the pitch offering some true bounce, Mitchell Johnson (1-38) and Clint McKay (2-36) worked up brisk pace to keep the stylish Indian top order in check. Shikhar Dhawan (7), Rohit (42), and Yuvraj Singh (7) all succumbed to some vintage fast bowling.

In This Pic : Mitchel Johnson

Pic Courtesy : PTI

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With James Faulkner (3-27) and Shane Watson (2-31) providing ample support, they steadily chipped away at the hosts' batting. It seemed the Men in Yellow had rewound the clock as there was a spring in their step while fielding too.

In This Pic : Shane Watson

Pic Courtesy : PTI

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When Brad Haddin went off the field for a short period after a freak eye injury, Hughes donned the gloves and excelled behind the stumps. Apart from a neat take to send back Rohit Sharma, he also came up with some terrific stops.

In This Pic : Brad Haddin, Aaron Finch

Pic Courtesy : PTI