Warner, Finch smash India

AUSTRALIA openers David Warner and Aaron Finch both hit centuries to complement their bowlers’ inspired display as the touring side handed out a 10-wicket thrashing to India in the opening one-day international yesterday.

India, ranked second in ODIs in the world, suffered a mid-innings collapse to be bundled out for 255 in the 50th over of their innings after Australia captain Finch won the toss and opted to field in the first of the three-match series.

Warner and Finch then smashed the Indian bowlers to all corners of the ground, picking up boundaries at will to chase down the target with more than 12 overs to spare at the Wankhede Stadium, which overlooks the Arabian Sea.

Left-handed Warner successfully used the decision-review system twice to overturn the umpire’s decision on his way to his 18th ODI century, hitting 17 fours and three sixes in his unbeaten knock of 128.

Finch completed his 16th century in the format, his innings of unbeaten 110 studded with 13 fours and two sixes.

Earlier, left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who made his ODI debut in India 10 years ago, picked up three wickets to set up Australia’s victory.

To compound India’s woes, wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant suffered a concussion after being hit on his helmet by a short-pitched delivery from Pat Cummins. The Indian cricket board said Pant, who did not come out to keep wickets, was under observation.

The two sides will meet in Rajkot for the second ODI on Friday.