In the first two ODIs of the series against India, Mitchell Starc showcased exceptional form, taking 8 wickets at an average of 12 and striking every 13 deliveries. His high-quality swing, seam, and pace proved too much for the Indian batters to handle, especially in the helpful conditions of Mumbai and Vizag.
On the other hand, in the crucial 3rd ODI in Chennai, Mitchell Starc faced a tough time during the powerplay as the conditions did not favor him. Shubman Gill took advantage of the situation and hammered Starc, who had already been hit by Gill in a previous Test match.
Chasing a seemingly par target of 270 runs, Shubman Gill, who had been dismissed by Starc in the first two ODIs, stepped up and took on the challenge of facing the spearhead Australian pacer. Despite some ‘experts’ suggesting a conservative approach, Gill played his typical elegant, classy, and mostly risk-averse strokes to hit plenty of boundaries.
In Starc’s opening spell, the 23-year-old opener hit the fast bowler for a glorious six and three boundaries, putting India ahead in the chase. Starc attempted to find some swing and bowled full and aiming for Gill’s pads, but the opener watched it closely and flicked the ball with immaculate timing and power for a spectacular six over the deep mid-wicket fence.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav both shone with the ball, taking 3 wickets each in Chennai. The all-rounder Pandya dismissed Australia’s top order after a fiery start, before Yadav routed the middle-order with good support from Ravindra Jadeja, who finished with figures of 0/34 in 10 overs.
