Cricket

Aus vs Ind 2020: Steve Smith’s wicket was huge – Shardul Thakur

India’s fast bowler Shardul Thakur made a roaring comeback to the playing XI in the third ODI against Australia at Manuka Oval, Canberra on Wednesday.

Thakur was the pick of the Indian bowlers as he scalped three wickets for 51 runs in his quota of 10 overs. The right-arm also got the big fish, Steve Smith, which he feels was a huge wicket.

Thakur had bowled an innocuous delivery down the leg-side to Smith and the talisman got a faint edge to the wicket-keeper. Smith had been in sublime form throughout the series and had scored two centuries in the first two matches. Furthermore, the linchpin had brought up both of his hundreds off just 62 balls and had taken the game away from the visitors.

Consequently, it was imperative for the Indian team to dismiss Smith early if they had to defend their total of 302 runs. David Warner was already ruled out and India finally picked up a wicket in the powerplay overs when T Natarajan dismissed Marnus Labuschangne.

Meanwhile, not only Thakur got the crucial wicket of Steve Smith but he also dismissed Moises Henriques and Sean Abbott. It was pivotal for the tourists to keep striking at regular intervals and they were able to do that as Jasprit Bumrah and T Natarajan also bagged a brace.

“When Steve Smith was batting, we had planned to bowl at the stumps [to him]. He edged it down the leg side, so we were kind of lucky that way. But I appreciate that wicket. He’s a top player, and getting him early in the innings while defending 302, I think it’s a huge wicket,” Shardul said.

In fact, Glenn Maxwell was going all guns blazing in the run-chase and he was looking good to take Australia over the line. However, a timely yorker from Jasprit Bumrah sent Maxwell packing and it was the turning point of the game.

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja had got the team out of the troubled waters as they added 150 runs in quick time. The tourists were struggling at 152-5 but Pandya’s 76-ball 92 and Jadeja’s 50-ball 66 took the team to a challenging total of 302 runs.

The first T20I between Australia and India will take place at Manuka Oval on 4th December.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Novak Djokovic ‘honoured’ to have rivalry with Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic said it was his honour to share the epic rivalry with Rafael Nadal.… Read More

November 22, 2024

Robert Lewandowski names Sergio Ramos as his most ‘favourite and difficult’ opponent to face

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has named former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos as his most… Read More

November 22, 2024

Pep Guardiola signs Manchester City extension through 2027

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension with the club till… Read More

November 22, 2024

Mohammedan SC’s Andrey Chernyshov wants team to give their best in every Indian Super League match

Mohammedan SC’s head coach Andrey Chernyshov wants the club to give their best in every… Read More

November 22, 2024

Nick Kyrgios says the game of tennis is bland in the post Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal era

Controversial Nick Kyrgios has predicted tennis will become bland after Rafael Nadal’s retirement. Nadal lost… Read More

November 22, 2024