Adelaide, Oct 23 (UNI) India’s Rohit Sharma made a gritty comeback, but missed opportunities proved costly as Australia sealed the second ODI, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
“We had just enough runs on the board, but dropping a couple of chances really hurt us,” India captain Shubman Gill said.
“It’s not easy to make a comeback after a long gap. Rohit played really well after coming back. The initial phase was challenging, but he fought hard, showed great temperament, and held the innings together. He battled through the tough overs, and I think he deserved a really big score today.”
On the pitch conditions, Gill added, “In the first game, the toss was more crucial because of the rain. In this game, both teams played almost 50 overs, and the wicket settled nicely after 15-20 overs.”
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh praised his side’s allround performance as awesome, highlighting “Josh Hazlewood’s bowling as the best none, for I have ever seen” and commending the team for its relentless pursuit of wickets.
Marsh also singled out youngster Cooper Connolly, who scored an unbeaten 61, saying the future looks bright for Australia.
“I will certainly have a beer and enjoy a series win, but it’s a pretty quick turnaround, so I won’t celebrate too much tonight,” Marsh added, acknowledging India as a “fantastic side with incredible players and great experience.”
Player of the Match Adam Zampa described the contest as always a good battle, praising both teams for adapting well to conditions. He credited the pacers for controlling the powerplay and highlighted Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis for their middle-overs contributions.
Zampa also commended Marsh’s leadership, saying, “The beauty of Mitch is that he’s chilled, relaxed, never too emotional. We run our own show out there with the ball.”
Australia’s comprehensive win underlined their strength in both batting and bowling, while India’s dropped chances proved decisive. The hosts now head into the final ODI with confidence, while India will aim to salvage pride in the series decider.
