Jason Gillespie led a ferocious Australian pace assault to send India packing for 125 in 41.4 overs in the World Cup group A match at Supersport Park in Centurion, South Africa today. Gillespie picked up 3-13 from 10 superb overs and Brett Lee took 3-36 as the Indians wilted after electing to bat before a packed house of 25,000, many of whom had flown in all the way from India to watch the high-profile game.
Sachin Tendulkar was the only top order batsman to offer resistence, making a dour 36 as five other specialists failed to reach double figures. India were reduced to 80-7 before tailenders Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble showed team-mates how to bat with a 40-run stand for the eighth wicket. Harbhajan hit 28 off 32 balls, including an astonishing six over third man off Lee, while Kumble remained unbeaten on 16.
The pathetic display by what is regarded as one of the best batting line-ups in the world follows its failure to last 50 overs in India's opening match against minnows Holland. Reigning champions Australia, on the other hand, went into the match full of confidence after thrashing Pakistan, runners-up at the last World Cup, by a whopping 82 runs last Tuesday.
Filed by James Boylan.
