Australia’s pace attack ran through India’s top order in the first ODI at Optus Stadium, Perth, reducing the visitors to 25/3 in 8.1 overs. The trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill — all back in international action after seven months — were dismissed cheaply as the Australian seamers exploited the conditions perfectly.
Rohit Sharma (8 off 14) was the first to fall, edging a short-of-a-length delivery from Josh Hazlewood to Matt Renshaw at second slip. The Indian captain poked at one that seamed away slightly, leaving India at 13/1.
Virat Kohli (0 off 8) followed soon after, falling to Mitchell Starc. The left-armer pitched it up outside off, tempting Kohli into a drive, only for Cooper Connolly to take a sharp diving catch at backward point — a moment that silenced the Indian crowd in Perth.
Then, just as India looked to steady the innings, Shubman Gill (10 off 18) nicked behind off Nathan Ellis, attempting a drive on the up. Wicketkeeper Josh Philippe made no mistake, completing the dismissal and leaving India tottering at 25/3.
At the crease now is Shreyas Iyer (2 off 9), joined by KL Rahul, as India look to rebuild after a fiery Australian start. The hosts’ fast-bowling trio of Hazlewood, Starc, and Ellis have been relentless, making full use of the pace and bounce on offer in Perth.
Score update: India 25/3 (8.1 overs) — Shubman Gill (10), Virat Kohli (0), Rohit Sharma (8).
