Daijiworld Media Network – Sydney
Sydney, Oct 24: Star Indian batter Virat Kohli’s return to international cricket hit a rough patch as he registered two consecutive ducks in the first two ODIs of the three-match series against Australia. Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma made comebacks after a seven-month hiatus, with Rohit redeeming himself with a 73-run knock in the second ODI, while Kohli failed to score in either match.
India lost the ODI series after back-to-back defeats, with the third and final ODI scheduled for Saturday in Sydney. Despite his poor batting, Kohli played a pivotal role in dismissing Australia’s dangerous batter Travis Head during the second ODI. In a viral video, Kohli was seen chatting with Head and putting his arm around his shoulder just moments before Head miscued a shot off pacer Harshit Rana, sending the ball straight to Kohli for a crucial catch.
However, Head’s dismissal did little to halt Australia’s chase of 265, as the hosts finished the innings in 46.2 overs with two wickets in hand. Matthew Short scored 74, while Cooper Connolly remained unbeaten at 61.
With a 2-0 lead, Australia will aim for a clean sweep in the final ODI, after which both teams will lock horns in a five-match T20I series.