India captain Rohit Sharma was effusive in praise for his fast bowler who demolished the fearsome England batting line-up in the first ODI at The Oval as the visitors take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
After the Indian captain had won the toss and elected to bowl first, led by Jasprit Bumrah’s six-wicket haul, India bowled England out for a lowly 110, which Sharma and Dhawan chased down inside 19 overs with an unbeaten opening stand.
Bumrah registered third-best bowling figures in ODIs by an Indian
Rohit Sharma explained that the overcast conditions were a factor in him choosing to bowl first and was happy to see his seamers – Bumrah took 6 wickets, Shami 3 and Prasidh 1 – make hay in favourable bowling conditions.
“Looking at the overhead conditions and the pitch, the toss was a right call to make. We used the conditions upfront really well. We never worry about the conditions because we have got the guys who can just come out and use those conditions,” Sharma said in the post-match presentation.
“There was some swing and seam upfront and we exploited them well. When you play in such conditions, you have to understand the assistance and have field placements accordingly. We knew our bowlers could swing the ball both ways and hence had that kind of field.”
Bumrah registered stunning bowling figures of 6/19 – his ODI career-best and the third-best by an Indian bowler in ODIs.
Rohit Sharma talks about his partnerships with Dhawan
Sharma got back to form with his first half-century after five months and only second this year across formats. He smashed 76 runs off 58 balls and resumed his great partnership with Dhawan; Sharma and Dhawan have now amassed over 5100 runs together in ODIs as opening partners and are fourth on all-time list.
“Shikhar and me understand each other quite well, except for the first ball where there was that misjudgement [when there was a run-out chance]. He is playing ODIs after a long time. We know what he brings to the table for us. Experienced player and he has done well for us in the past in these conditions,” he added.
Sharma hit 5 sixes in his entertaining knock today, all of which were either pull or hook.
“The hook is a high risk shot, I understand that, but as long as it comes out right, I am happy,” the Indian skipper concluded.
The second ODI will be played at Lord’s on Thursday and the third and final ODI of the series at Old Trafford on Sunday.
