The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Australia fights back, levels series

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Australia fights back, levels series

Mohali: The evening began with a tinge of anticipation. Sachin Tendulkar’s march towards 17,000 One-Day International runs was much awaited.

Sadly as darkness descended, the fans were left frantically hoping that at least India would win at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium here on Monday night.

However, hopes were dashed as India suffered a 24-run defeat against Australia in the fourth ODI of the Hero Honda Cup seven-match series as Ricky Ponting’s men turned it around to draw level at 2-2.

India’s batting ineptitude ruined Ashish Nehra and company’s fine bowling effort that skittled out Australia for 250 in 49.2 overs.

Flatters to deceive

India’s pursuit began with a merry splash as Virender Sehwag, who was cleared fit to play in the morning, pummelled left-arm seamer Mitchell Johnson. Sehwag’s breezy 30 (19b, 7x4) proved to be a false appetiser as he found a levitating Shane Watson at mid-off while trying to loft the impressive Doug Bollinger (three for 38).

Tendulkar (40, 68b, 6x4) meanwhile was a mix of caution and the creamy cover drive. However, he was a touch unlucky as Nathan Hauritz’s delivery seemed headed beyond leg stump when Asoka de Silva raised his finger while the 17,000 summit remained seven runs away.

The duo of captain M.S. Dhoni (26) and Yuvraj Singh (12), for once failed to get going and also gritted their teeth through five minutes of distraction when a few fans moved near the sightscreen.

Amidst the meltdown, India’s young turks Virat Kohli, who replaced an injured Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja had an opportunity to deliver under pressure but they failed.

Meanwhile, Australia tightened its grip and though Johnson was caned in all his spells, and Harbhajan Singh (31) and Praveen Kumar (16) threatened to repeat their heroics of Vadodara, the match was pocketed with ease.

India scored 226 in 46.4 overs while Man-of-the-Match Shane Watson (three for 29) ensured that the tail did not wag forever. — Principal Correspondent

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