Tests vice-captain Rahul, who was dropped for the third and fourth Tests against Australia due to poor form, hit an unbeaten 75 and with Jadeja (45 not out) helped the hosts take a lead 1-0 in the three-game series. .
“I’m really proud of the way we played today. Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) did what he was supposed to do by coming back after eight months out of ODIs. I enjoyed my bowling and my stick , I would have liked to finish it, but the way KL (Rahul) and Jaddu beat, it was soothing for those watching from the outside,” said Pandya, the substitute Indian skipper for the game in Wankhede.
Rahul, who mainly opens for India, was moved up to No.5 following his test disappointments. But despite the chips dropping, he played patiently, consuming 96 balls for his 75 well done.
Pandya conceded India were under pressure both bowling and batting, but in the end the team’s composure got him through.
Mitchell Marsh’s 65-ball 81 and the visitors’ quick start put India under some stress, but Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja continued to nibble with timely wickets to eventually put Australia together for 188 in 35, 4 overs.
“We were under pressure in both sets, but we kept our composure and found ways out of those situations. When we got the momentum, we didn’t let go,” added Pandya.
‘Player of the match’ Jadeja said he played ODI cricket after eight months due to knee surgery, he was just trying to get used to the format and his performance was a bonus.
“Playing ODI cricket after eight months, I was just looking to adapt to the format as soon as possible. Luckily, I got two wickets, and with batting, I was just looking to partner with KL (Rahul ).
“We were playing test cricket so the line and length is different here. You can’t keep bowling at a pace. I was just looking to play in good areas. Also I was taking a bit of a turn , so I thought I should bowl in the right areas and the wicket will do the rest,” added Jadeja.
Losing side captain Steve Smith said a score of around 260-270 would have been normal for the wicket, adding that India played very well to rock their boat.
“We didn’t expect this when we came here. India played well this morning but we probably left a few of them there. If we had gotten 250 we would have had a game.
“Mitch (Marsh) started really well. He took the game early and took a few out. In the middle we lost a few too many wickets. We were always partnering with them to fight, and Jadeja and Rahul 260-270 was s.
“He (wicket) offered a bit for the tailors. The ball swung pretty much throughout. We just needed to score more runs. If we had a partnership and went further. It wasn’t the case, and credit goes to India,” Smith lamented.
