Australia’s pace attack continued to dominate early in the 1st ODI against India at the Optus Stadium in Perth, as Mitchell Starc dismissed Virat Kohli for a duck in just his eighth delivery. The left-arm quick found movement and bounce on a lively Perth surface, leaving India reeling at 21/2 in 6.1 overs.
Bowling full and outside off, Starc tempted Kohli into a drive away from his body. The Indian batter went for a big cover shot but only managed a thick outside edge. Cooper Connolly, stationed at backward point, reacted brilliantly — diving low to his left to complete an acrobatic catch.
It was a moment of brilliance from both bowler and fielder — Starc’s trademark new-ball delivery doing just enough to draw the mistake, and Connolly’s sharp reflexes sealing the dismissal.
Kohli’s early exit marks a setback for India, who had already lost Rohit Sharma (8 off 14) to Josh Hazlewood earlier. At the crease now are Shubman Gill (9 off 15) and Shreyas Iyer (0 off 1), tasked with rebuilding India’s innings after a shaky start.
Australia’s pacers — Starc (3.2-1-9-1) and Hazlewood (3-1-11-1) — have made full use of the conditions after opting to bowl first, exploiting the extra bounce and movement on offer in Perth.
