Watch: India’s KL Rahul’s 85m six off Australia’s Josh Hazlewood

India locked horns with Australia here at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. KL Rahul, who had a forgettable Asia Cup, was under scrutiny for his poor strike rate.

The 30-year-old said he is working on his strike rate. In just the third over of the match, the Lucknow Super Giants batter showed is intent, by hitting a six off Josh Hazlewood.

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Watch the video here:

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Australia won the toss and decided to bat first. Rishabh Pant had to make room for Rohit Sharma as India’s skipper returned to the starting XI. Additionally, they decided against rushing Jasprit Bumrah into a game right away after his back injury recovery. However the skipper added at the toss that Bumrah will probably play the second and third games. Umesh Yadav will also play his first T20I in more than three years.

Another fast bowler making a comeback is Harshal Patel, who overcame a rib injury that prevented him from competing in the Asia Cup. The only left-hander in the lineup, Axar Patel, will assist Yuzvendra Chahal with his spin. For Australia, Tim David made a much awaited debut at no. 6. This means that Cameron Green might open with captain Aaron Finch for the first time for Australia. 

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India started off well after, Rohit Sharma gave India its first boundary when he hit Pat Cummins for a six in the second over. He then went on to hit a four at the end of the over. Josh Hazlewood went on to break India’s opening partnership, dismissing Rohit Sharma for 11, just after KL Rahul hit the bowler for a six. However, Adam Zampa misfielded to gift India four runs in just the next bowl. Virat Kohli then came onto the crease but couldn’t stay for long as he was dismissed by Nathan Ellis.

This bought Suryakumar Yadav on the pitch, who build a steady partnership with Rahul, to lead India’s recovery after the twin blows. At drinks India were 86/2 after 10 overs.