Australia vs India: Megan Schutt stars in opening ODI win for hosts in Brisbane
Australia ruthlessly defeated India in their first outing since their disastrous T20 World Cup semi-final defeat in October.
Led by Tahlia McGrath in place of the injured Alyssa Healy, the hosts relied on a good batting wicket to defeat India by just 100 before finishing with The first of three one-day internationals was won in 16.2 overs.
The five-wicket win flattered India, who were stunned by pace bowler Megan Schutt’s career-best figures of 5-19 while only Jemimah Rodrigues managed Over 20 points.
In response, openers Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Wall set the tone with the bat as Australia responded in style to their surprise defeat to South Africa in the World Cup semi-finals.
Litchfield smashed 35 off 29 balls before becoming one of Renuka Singh Thakur’s three victims, but 21-year-old debutant Wall finished with a disappointing A defeat of 46 goals ensured Australia’s advancement.
The second ODI will be played at the same venue, Brisbane’s Allan Border Stadium, on Sunday (Saturday 23:45 GMT), with live broadcast commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
