Watch: Mohammed Shami floors Steve Smith’s leg stump with a stunning delivery | Cricket News – Times of India
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When skipper KL Rahul gave Shami his second spell, Smith was well set in the middle, already batting on 41, and India needed another breakthrough after David Warner’s dismissal to turn the tide as Australia looked settled for a big total at 111 for 2 after 21 overs.
A single was taken off the first delivery by Marnus Labuschagne, and Smith played a defensive off-side shot off the second. The third delivery nipped into the stumps sharply after landing outside off stump line. Smith went for a drive but was a tad late and the ball took an inside edge before flooring the leg stump to the ground.
And with it India got a massive breakthrough as Smith departed after scoring 41 off 60 balls, which included a six and three fours. Smith also added a crucial 94 runs for the second wicket with Warner (52) for the Aussies after losing Mitchell Marsh early in the first over to Shami.
India skipper KL Rahul won the toss and opted to bowl first against Australia. Rahul is leading India in two of the three ODIs, with regular captain Rohit Sharma resting ahead of the World Cup, which begins next month.
Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s experienced off-spinner, has returned to the ODI squad, with selectors exploring alternatives if left-arm spinner Axar Patel fails to recuperate in time for the World Cup.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins, who has returned from a wrist injury, gave Matthew Short, who was added to the team due to Travis Head’s injury, his ODI debut in the game.
