Steve Smith Hails 'Incredible' KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja

image-lfdnw3rbThe duo stitched an unbroken 108 run stand [AP Photos]

Australian skipper Steve Smith has hailed 'incredible' KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, after the duo helped India win the first ODI by 5-wickets on Friday.

Chasing a paltry 189, India were in a spot of bother, tottering at 83 for 5, when KL Rahul and Jadeja provided the rescue act. They stitched an unbroken 108-run partnership for the sixth wicket as India eventually won the match comfortably in the end. Under-fire KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 75, and Jadeja stood at one end with a gritty 45.

Speaking to the broadcasters after the match, Smith hailed the composure of India's batting duo and rued missed chances as Australia trail in the series.


Smith speaks

"We weren't expecting this when we rocked up here. India bowled well this morning, but we probably left a few out there. Had we got 250, we would have had some match. Mitch started really well. He took the game on early, and got a few away. 

Through the middle we lost a few too many wickets. We were always one partnership from them beating us, and Jadeja and Rahul did that. 260-270 was par. It was offering a fair bit for the seamers. The ball swung pretty much throughout. We just needed to score more runs. If we had got a partnership and take it deeper. It was not to be, and credit to India."

Talking about the Australian innings, they were well on their course to cross the 300-run mark, but some tight bowling in the middle overs by India, helped them to restrict the visitors to a mere 188.

The second ODI of the series takes place on Sunday.