At the same venue, on an even better batting track, India’s top-order finally came to the party against all-conquering Australia. And with intent from all – well, maybe barring one. But with an opening platform of 150-plus on the board, cameos and not sustained attack from thereon threatened to squander the early advantage. When 350+ seemed on the cards, the lower-order threw it away. The 36 India scored at a run-a-ball towards the end before they were bowled out for 330 – this time wasting the last seven deliveries – meant they were under par. Unfazed as ever, Australia registered the record chase to swat India aside despite a late scare – shining the biggest spotlight on India’s tactical misstep of only fielding five proper bowlers.
