Perth (Rajeev Sharma): India’s batting lineup faltered early in the first One Day International against Australia, with the visitors reduced to 25 for 3 before rain forced a stoppage at Perth Stadium on Sunday.
The Indian innings got off to a troubled start as seasoned campaigners Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were dismissed within the powerplay. Kohli, who faced eight deliveries without scoring, was trapped by Mitchell Starc’s sharp left-arm pace. Rohit, after making 8 runs, failed to find rhythm and edged one off Josh Hazlewood.
The early blows set India on the back foot, and things worsened when captain Shubman Gill mistimed a delivery from Nathan Ellis, flicking it straight into the hands of the leg-side fielder for 10.
As the skies darkened and the covers came on, middle-order batters Shreyas Iyer (2*) and Axar Patel (0*) remained at the crease, attempting to steady the ship after the top-order collapse.
With conditions looking challenging and Australia’s pacers in fine form, the weather interruption brought temporary relief to India, who will need a strong recovery effort if play resumes. The match now hangs in balance, awaiting further updates from the umpires and match officials.
