India are facing Australia in their first match of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 clash at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, October 8. Sent in to bowl first after losing the toss, the bowlers have been more than effective, with the spinners taking the game to the five-time champions. Leading the bowling attack is none other than Ravindra Jadeja, who has already bagged three wickets with more than 20 overs to go for the Australia innings.
But it was the wicket of Steve Smith — his first of the match — that left everyone, including the star Australian batter, astounded.
Australia seemed to be gaining momentum due to a strong partnership between Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. However, Jadeja's crucial wickets swung the game back in India's favour. He bowled a stunning delivery to dismiss Steve Smith, who was just short of his half-century. The wicket put Australia in a tight spot as they lost three wickets for only 110 runs in 27.1 overs. Smith made 46 from 71 deliveries, with Glenn Maxwell now partnering Labuschagne at the crease.
See the wicket here:
Ravindra Jadeja got two wickets after sending Smith back to the pavilion, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne, who edged it to KL Rahul's gloves, and then his third wicket came just two deliveries later when he dismissed wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey for a duck.
While Australia boasts a deep batting lineup, India has the advantage with three top-tier spinners. Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj still have nine overs to bowl between them. The game is entering a crucial phase with Cameron Green partnering the explosive Glenn Maxwell at the crease.
Earlier, Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik also said that the Chepauk pitch would greatly benefit Jadeja. Sharing his thoughts before the game, Karthik posted on X.com (formerly Twitter), "This pitch will turn... Jadeja to have a super day today."
As of writing, Australia are 138/5 with Maxwell and Cameron Green in the middle for Australia.
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