Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami was one of the stars of the match as India beat Australia in the first of the three-match ODI series at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Friday. After India elected to bowl first in the series opener, the home team bowled the Kangaroos out for 276 in 50 overs. It was Shami who was the wrecker-in-chief as he scalped five wickets for 51 runs in his 10 overs.

However, after what eventually turned out to be a match-winning spell, when the 33-year-old was asked to comment on the weather by the broadcasters, he gave a cheeky reply suggesting that it was easy for the broadcasters in the air-conditioning.

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“You guys were in the AC, I was there out in the heat. There was not much the fast bowlers were getting out of the wicket so the slower deliveries were a good option to turn to. If they land in the right areas, the results can really go in your favour. It’s important to mix things up. The team needed and it’s good feeling to get wickets when you’re putting in so much effort. It’s good for the team and your own confidence,” said Shami.

After Shami’s efforts, it was half-centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad (71 off 77), Shubman Gill (74 off 63) , Suryakumar Yadav (50 off 49) and KL Rahul (58* off 63) that took the team across the winning line. However, for his efforts that set up the team’s victory, it was Shami who was adjudged the Player of the Match. Having taken a 1-0 lead, India will now take on Australia in the second ODI on Sunday (September 24) at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. The final match of the series will be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on September 27.