Vadodara: India tried hard but failed just four runs short of a victory against the Australians in the first ODI of Hero Honda series.

The Indian openers Sehwag and Sachin started the attack very aggressively, but fell short of making an impact. Virender Sehwag was the first one to return to the dressing room, after he was deceived by a delivery of Lee. 

Sachin too couldn't stick for long and at the score of 45 India had lost both its openers. Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir and Dhoni tried to help India stabilise but couldn't keep the going till end.

Bowlers show the way

Harbajjan played some lusty shorts to reach a quick 49 before being bowled by Siddle. That was the turning point of the match. If Bhajji would have stuck till last, India perhaps, would have been rejoicing in their dressing room now. 

After Bhajji, Praveen Kumar didn't let the aggression die down, making a 32 ball 40. 

Vadodara Enthralled

Australia captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat in their first match of the seven-match ODI series against India here today.

The Aussies didn't disappoint the Vadodara crowd, and piled up a mammoth target of 293 to win for the men in blue. Though, Dhoni smiled after getting an initial break-through of Shane Watson, soon Punter backed by Paine, Hussey and White stripped the smile of Dhoni's face. 

Amongst the bowlers, Bhajji and Praveen Kumar were thrashed on sides. Ishant Sharma is definately on his way back to better his stats. He bowled with an economy of 5 and took three good wickets of Paine, Hussey and Brett Lee.

Battle For Top-spot

The match of the match was awarded to M Hussey for his examplary performance in the Australia innings. The Aussies had begun the innings by stating that beating India is always a tough task on their homeground. This match has proved their words right. But then, in such cricket classing the one who hold the nerve till last breath, rises as victor. The Aussies did exactly what was expected out of them.

Now, India has another daunting task to perform. If India loses the series 7-0 or 6-1 they might end up relegating themselves further down in the ODI rankings. However, winning the series will help India move ahead of Australia, which is just four points ahead. 


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