Xtra Time Web Desk: India captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday said the consolation win over Australia in the third and final ODI was a timely “boost” for the remainder of the tour, made possible by the freshness that came with a changed squad.
India, who made four changes going into the game, got past Australia by 13 runs to pick up a win after losing the series. India will next take on the hosts in three T20 Internationals (starting Friday) followed by four Tests (starting December 17).
“We were put under the pump in the first half and in the second half of Australia”s innings. Shubman (Gill) and others coming in, it brings in a bit freshness…The team needed that kind of a boost,” said Kohli at the post-match presentation.
The India bowlers, who looked ordinary in the first two games, got a lot more purchase from the Manuka Oval surface. Kohli said it was a much better pitch than Sydney where the first two games were played.
“I think the pitch was much better for the bowlers. So the confidence levels go up. Playing international cricket for so long, that”s the challenge you face. We were clinical with the ball and in the field,” he said.
Kohli made 63 but the unbeaten 150-run stand between Ravindra Jadeja (66) and Hardik Pandya (92) gave India a fighting chance.
“Happy with the performance and hopefully we take the momentum forward. I would have liked to go on for a bit longer, but it was a great partnership between Pandya and Jadeja,” said Kohli.
Courtesy: PTI