Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal now holds the joint-best ODI figures by an Indian bowler at MCG. In 2004, Ajit Agarkar too had an identical 6/42 returns against Australia. Thanks to Chahal's outstanding bowling, Australia were restricted to 230 all out
Melbourne: India need 231 to win the series-deciding third ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday after leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal bamboozled the hosts with a career-best 6/42.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar did early damage to the Australian top-order by removing both openers, Alex Carey (5) and skipper Aaron Finch (14). Then Chahal, playing his first match of the series, took over.
Also read: Bumrah's presence makes India favourites for World Cup, says Gillespie
Chahal, introduced into the attack in the 24th over of the innings, struck two vital bowls in his opening over, sending back Shaun Marsh (39) and Usman Khawaja (34) as the left-handed duo was building a partnership for the third wicket. He continued to trouble the hosts' batsmen and added four more scalps in his 10-over spell.
Chahal now holds the joint-best ODI figures by an Indian bowler at MCG. In 2004, Ajit Agarkar too had an identical 6/42 returns against Australia.
Australia slumped to 101/4 and made a mini-recovery through Peter Handscomb's (58) half century. Thanks to his knock, they crossed the 200-run mark.
Also read: Justin Langer compares 'all-time great' Kohli with Tendulkar
It was all about Chahal's guile that derailed the Australian innings after captain Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl. Australia were bowled out for 230 in 48.4 overs.
Bhuvneshwar had figures of 2/28 in eight overs. He has now removed Finch in three consecutive matches.
India are chasing their first-ever ODI bilateral series win in Australia. The current three-match rubber is tied 1-1. The hosts won the opener in Sydney and India bounced back in Adelaide.
Earlier, India made three changes, handing a debut to all-rounder Vijay Shankar and bringing back Chahal and Kedar Jadhav. Ambati Rayudu, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj were dropped.
Australia brought in Billy Stanlake for Jason Behrendorff, who was out with back issues. Also, leg-spinner Adam Zampa replaced Nathan Lyon.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.