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Xtra Time Web Desk: A brilliant spell of bowling from concussion substitute Yuzuvendra Chahal (4-25-3) helped India win the first T20I against Australia at the Manuka Oval on Friday. The leg spinner came in as a substitute for Ravindra Jadeja who complained of dizziness during the interval after playing a blinder (44 off 23 balls). India lead the three match T20I series with the next two matches coming up at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday and Tuesday respectively.

Debutant T Natarajan also played an important role, proving his worth in the shortest format of the game as he got the big wicket of Glenn Maxwell to dent Australia's chase that began on a high with a 50-run opening stand.

The highlight of the match though was the concussion substitution with Chahal being named as a replacement for Jadeja nafter the latter was hit on the helmet. He did bat for the next 9 balls but complained of dizziness once he went in to the dressing room. Concussion testing protocols were apparently not followed as Jadeja was not checked on by a physio nor his helmet was changed after he took a blow on his helmet in the final over of India's innings.

Australia coach Justin Langer was visibly annoyed with the move as he was caught on television cameras having an intense discussion with match referee David Boon after the concussion substitution was made.

Earlier in the day, KL Rahul continued his great form in IPL 2020, hitting 51 from 40 balls. India were reduced to 92/5 with no substantial contribution from the middle order batsmen. It was left to Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, who provided the much-needed late impetus, While Hardik fell for a 15-ball 16, Jadeja hit an unbeaten 44 in just 23 balls to help India post 161.

Both teams will now face each other in the 2^nd T20I at SCG on Sunday which is expected to be another fascinating contest.