India vs Australia Live Score, 2nd ODI: Marauding SKY takes spotlight as India eye 400

 

India vs Australia 2nd ODI Live Score: KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav have continued to punish the bowlers after centurions Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer fell.

India vs Australia Live Score, 2nd ODI: Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill pummelled splendid centuries as India knocked the stuffing out of Australia in the 2nd ODI at Indore's Holkar Stadium. First, Iyer creamed a fine century - the third of his ODI career before cramps and fatigue got the better of him. Despite getting a reprieve, Iyer perished for 105 but not before adding a 200-run partership with Gill, who not too long after, completed the 6th century of his ODI career but perished soon after.

After Australia stand-in captain Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bowl against India, Josh Hazlewood struck in his second over to dismiss Ruturaj Gaikwad cheaply. Iyer, walking in at 3, started briskly, smashing four boundaries in 11 balls and brought up the fifty partnership with Gill in just 29 deliveries. With India reaching 79/1 in 9.5 overs, rain stopped play, but fortunately, it did not last long as bright sunshine returned in no time.

The clock is ticking as the World Cup draws near. India have been consistently impressive in every aspect, and the outcome of the first ODI against Australia on Friday further exemplifies their proficiency. With the series still up for grabs and considering their current form and the outcome of the Mohali game, India finds itself with an excellent opportunity to establish an unassailable 2-0 lead today in the 2nd ODI at Indore.

However, more importantly, this is the final opportunity for players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav to make a lasting impression before the return of senior players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav for India's last official match before the World Cup. Shreyas, in particular, is eager to find his form after missing out on a flat track in the previous match. Designated as India's number 4, Shreyas' fitness was a topic of discussion during the Asia Cup, and he has been unable to spend significant time at the crease due to various reasons. A back spasm kept him out of the business end of the Asia Cup, and an unfortunate run-out ended his brief 8-ball stay in the center. Shreyas hopes to score big in the upcoming two games to boost his confidence and that of his team leading into the global event.

Ashwin made a tidy bowling comeback but struggled to trouble Australian batters on a flat track. He couldn't generate much turn, and his flatter deliveries were easily dealt with by the opposition. While the champion spinner still has a chance to make a last-minute entry into India's World Cup squad if Axar Patel isn't fit in time, the team management expects more from the 37-year-old than what he delivered.

India managed to secure a comfortable victory in the first ODI, even in the absence of four top-tier players, including skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They now stand in good stead to clinch the series at the Holkar Stadium, known for producing high-scoring encounters. After enduring unusual heat and humidity in Mohali, the players will welcome the respite brought by recent rain, which has lowered the temperature. While the previous game had several positives for India, notably the performances of Mohammad Shami and Suryakumar Yadav, there are still some questions that need answering as the World Cup approaches in early October.

Australia, like India, was missing key players in the opening match, including Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, and Josh Hazlewood. Captain Pat Cummins hinted that they might be ready by the third game in Rajkot on September 27. Australia had previously won a series in India earlier this year but now finds themselves in a must-win situation on Sunday. While Josh Inglis showed promise with a run-a-ball 45, the middle-order needs to find more consistency.

Here are some pointers regarding 2nd ODI between India and Australia:

- Shubman Gill scored his 6th ODI century and the fifth of this year.

- Shreyas Iyer notched up his 3rd ODI century before departing for 105.

- Rain stopped play with India on 79/1 in 9.5 overs. Shreyas Iyer unbeaten on 34 and Gill 32.

- Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill added a rampant fifty-run stand off just 29 balls.

- Josh Hazlewood dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad cheaply to give Australia an arlybreakthrough.

- With Pat Cummins rested, Australia stand-in captain Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bowl.

- India are without Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested for the 2nd ODI but will return for the final game on Wednesday.

- The 2nd ODI at Indore is being looked at as a high-scoring contest given the short boundaries of the Holkar Stadium.