Australia steamroll India

ADELAIDE: Rapid centuries by Glenn Maxwell and David Warner lifted Australia to a 106-run win over India in a warm-up match yesterday that built up its prospects for the Cricket World Cup while leaving India winless in the dry Australian summer.

Maxwell slammed 122 from 57 balls before retiring and Warner hit 104 from 83 deliveries as Australia made 371 in 48.2 overs after winning the toss and batting. India were all out for 265 in 45.1 overs in reply.

Australia are the world’s top-ranked oneday side and the early World Cup favourites. The all-round quality of their performance against India helped substantiate that billing.

India’s World Cup prospects appear bleak as it remained without a win in three tests and five one-day matches in Australia this summer while losing veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma to a knee injury.

Warner set the tempo for the first half of the Australian innings with a century from 80 balls and Maxwell accelerated later, reaching his hundred from 53 balls — the second 50 coming from only 19 deliveries.

Maxwell rushed on to 122, retiring after hitting three consecutive sixes from the bowling of Umesh Yadava in an over that claimed a wicket and cost 27 runs.

“It’s nice to be hitting the ball really well coming to a massive tournament like this,’’ Maxwell said.

“One more practice to go and then hopefully I hit the tournament running with lots of runs and in a good head space.’’

Ajinkya Rahane made 66 and Shikhar Dhawan 59 as India was dismissed in reply.

Ambati Rayudu made 53 as India’s last hope but he was out at 8-254 in the 42 over, with 118 runs still needed for victory.