IND vs AUS: Who said what after the third ODI in Sydney

Rohit Sharma won Player of the Match award in the third IND vs AUS ODI in Sydney.

Indian Cricket Team demolished Australian Cricket Team by nine wickets in third and final ODI of the three-match series at the Sydney Cricket Stadium, Sydney on October 25 (Saturday). After winning the toss, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh opted to bat first, but the decision didn’t go in their favour as they failed to go pas 250 with the bat.

Openers Marsh and Travis Head built an opening stand of 61 runs before Mohammed Siraj dismissed the latter for 29 runs. Matt Renshaw (56), batting at four, scored a half-century for the side. However, other batters failed to support him as the Men in Yellow lost six wickets for 198 runs on the scoreboard.

Harshit Rana clinched a four-wicket haul, while Washington Sundar bagged two scalps as India eventually bundled Australia for 236.

In the chase, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli oozed their class and stitched an unbeaten stand of 168 runs for the second wicket. Gill failed to go big for the third time in the series, getting out for 24 runs in the 11th over. However, Rohit (121*) and Kohli (74*) banked upon their experience and overpowered Australian bowlers, leading to team to victory by nine wickets in just 38.3 overs.

India were too good, a lot of learning for us: Mitchell Marsh

During the post-match presentation, Australia captain Marsh heaped praise on Rohit and Kohli for their match-winning performance. He also added that he was proud of his team for outplaying India in the series. Australia won the three-match series 2-1 after winning the first two games.

“We have seen Rohit and Virat do that for the last 10 years for a lot of teams. We needed one more partnership towards the back end, awesome learning for our young guys. India were too good. A lot of learnings for us,” he said.

“India are the number one team in the world, so to get the job done in the first two games is something that we can be really proud of as a team and as we keep moving forward. I’m really proud of the whole team,” Marsh added.

It’s such a delight to watch them both bat: Shubman Gill lauds Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Shubman Gill, who won his first ODI game as India captain, said that it was a delight to watch Rohit and Kohli bat together and finish the game. He also lauded Rana for getting crucial wickets in the middle-overs.

(On Kohli and Rohit) They’ve been doing it for so many years. It’s such a delight to watch them both bat and especially when they both finish the innings,” he said.

“We almost had a near-perfect game. They got off to a good start, but I think the way we pulled it back in the middle overs and then the way Harshit went about, it was pretty pleasing to see. (Pleased with) How our spinners came in in the middle overs and then the fast bowlers came in and took those crucial wickets. Harshit has been someone who’s been coming in and bowling fast for us in the middle overs. On such wickets, you need someone like him,” Gill added.

I was confident in my head about how I would go in this tournament: Rohit Sharma

Rohit, who grabbed the spotlight by winning Player of the Match and Player of the Series award after the Sydney ODI, revealed that he underwent a lot of preparation prior to the campaign. He also added that he was confident about his performance in the series. The 38-year-old hammered a half-century in the second ODI and followed it up with a brilliant ton in the third clash.

“I haven’t played for a long time, I had good prep before coming in here. I was slightly confident in my head about how I would go in this tournament. Although, you know, we couldn’t win the series, but we’ll take a lot of positives. It’s still a very young team that we have. A lot of guys who haven’t been to Australia,” he said.

“I love playing in Australia and in general, Sydney. It’s a great ground, great crowd, great pitch as well. So, when you come to places like this, you want to challenge yourself as a batter, as a player. And that is what I expected. I never thought for one second that it is going to be easy. I love doing what I do. And I hope I continue to do that,” he further added.

“When I came for the first time to this squad, I remember how the seniors around me were there to help us. And it’s our job now to make sure that we pass on the right message. Never easy travelling abroad and playing cricket. So, whatever little experience we got, it’s important to pass on that and make sure they handle it pretty well. The guys are pretty talented. It’s just about understanding how they want to play,” Rohit concluded.

Meanwhile, Australia and India will now clash in a five-match T20I series, scheduled to commence on October 29 with the first game at Manuka Oval, Canberra.

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