NEW DELHI: Josh Inglis played a pivotal role, scoring his maiden international century and propelling Australia to a formidable total of 208-3 against India in the opening Twenty20 international of a five-match series in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.
Australia, coming off their record-extending sixth ODI World Cup triumph just four days prior, were put into bat after being invited by the hosts.
Despite an early wicket, Inglis, who hammered 110 off 50 balls, partnered with Steve Smith (52) to forge a dynamic 130-run stand off 67 balls.
Inglis reached his fifty in 29 balls and completed his century in 47 balls, celebrating with enthusiasm. His innings included 11 fours and eight sixes before he was eventually dismissed by fast bowler Prasidh Krishna.
Prasidh (1/50 in 4 overs), who travelled around with the World Cup squad for a month, clearly didn't find any rhythm as it was Smith, who first creamed him for successive boundaries and then when his end was changed by Suryakumar, the fate didn't change as he was hit for three fours and a six by Inglis, who went on a rampage.
Australia, captained by Matthew Wade, opted to rest several of their ODI stars, including Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa, as part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup scheduled for June.
(With AFP inputs)
