David Warner smashed 68 off 66 balls and David Hussey and Matthew Wade hit half-centuries as Australia reached 252 for nine off 50 overs in the tri one-day series international against India in Sydney on Sunday.
Warner claimed his first half-century of the series to stand out after skipper Shane Watson won the toss and elected to bat.
Watson, playing in his comeback match for Australia after an injury-marred season, took over the captaincy after Michael Clarke pulled out with a back injury.
India, seeking a win to keep their tri-series finals’ hopes alive, needed to chase down 253 in their innings under lights at a required run-rate of 5.06.
Hussey, who appeared fortunate not to be given out on 17 for obstructing a throw for an attempted run out, chipped in with 54 off 64 to take over as the leading runscorer in the series with 338.
Hussey blocked a throw by Suresh Raina with his right hand but umpires deemed he was preventing injury and he was allowed to bat on much to Indian captain M.S. Dhoni’s fury.
Wade, relegated down the batting order to number six, cracked 56 off 66 balls with a six and two fours and featured in a 94-run partnership with David Hussey for the fifth wicket.
Watson only lasted seven balls in his comeback match before hitting straight to Umesh Yadav at mid-on for one, while Mike Hussey was run out for 10 in a dreadful mix-up with Warner.
Warner’s dismissal also might have had a painful outcome for India when Raina and Irfan Pathan collided as Raina took a skied catch at deep square leg.
Both resumed after treatment from the team physiotherapist.
Virender Sehwag, recalled to open the innings as India ditched their controversial rotation policy in the search of a crucial win, finished the best of India’s bowlers with three for 43.
Praveen Kumar (2-37) and Yadav (2-39) were the other bowlers among the wickets.
Australia restricted to 252 by India
