Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], October 2 : Australia Cricket captain Steven Smith on Sunday conceded that his team deserved to be defeated 1-4 in the ODI series against India.
The Australian captain said, "We lacked in consistency with the bat. We are losing wickets very consistently and that's not good enough. The top four need to stand up and take control of the match." India chased down a target of 243 runs with 43 balls to spare to clinch the series 4-1, in the fifth and final ODI at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground here.
Smith also said that poor decision-making under pressure led to the big defeat. With the series victory, India have returned to the top spot in the ODI rankings. Talking about his performance, the 28-year-old said, "I would love to score a lot more runs. As the leader of the team, it is disappointing, but that's cricket. You have that experience, but you are not getting the score you like. I hope to turn it around and contribute in the T-20s." Earlier, a dominant performance from India saw them comfortably beat Australia in the final ODI.
Chasing 243 to overcome Australia, the Men in Blue rode on the smashing innings of openers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane and reached the target with 43 balls to spare and seven wickets in hand.
While Rahane missed on a well deserved century as he got out at 61 (74), Rohit struck his 14th ODI ton as he smashed a terrific 125 run inning to seal the victory for his team.
The Mumbaikar smashed 5 sixes and 11 boundaries in his 109-ball knock. Electing to bat, Aaron Finch and David Warner of the Baggy Greens shared 66 runs for the opening stand.
Hardik Pandya provided the Men in Blue with the important breakthrough, getting Finch caught at mid-off by Jasprit Bumrah at his individual score of 32.
Skipper Steve Smith, who came in next, didn't stay long at the crease and was caught in front of the wickets against Jadhav 16 (25).
Patel was pick of the Indian bowlers as he picked three wickets for 38 runs, followed by Bumrah who returned with figures of 2-51.
He was well supported Kuldeep Yadav who couldn't pick any wicket but kept pressure on the Australian batters.
Rohit Sharma was awarded Man of the Match for his knock of 125, while Hardik Pandya was declared Man of the Series.
Sharma slammed his 14th century here, sixth versus Australia and went past 6000 ODI runs..
Source: ANI
