Half-centuries lift Australia to 269

ADELAIDE: Half-centuries for David Hussey and debutant Peter Forrest helped Australia make 269 for eight from their 50 overs in the tri-series one-day international against India in Adelaide Sunday.

India controversially rested champion batsman Sachin Tendulkar under their rotation policy, denying the 38-year-old another chance to score his long-awaited 100th international century.

Forrest and Hussey put on 98 for the fourth wicket to vindicate captain Michael Clarke's decision to bat after winning the toss.

Forrest, 26, promoted for his one-day international debut, impressed in making 66 from 83 balls, including two sixes, while Hussey contributed 72 from 76 deliveries.

The Indians made a promising start, with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting falling cheaply in an unusual role as opener, caught at point by Virat
Kohli from the bowling of Ranganath Vinay Kumar for six.

The dangerous David Warner was run out for 18, while Michael Clarke looked in good touch before being fooled by a slower delivery from Umesh Yadav and dragging the ball onto his stumps for 38.

Yadav was the best of the Indian bowlers, picking up two wickets at a cost of 49 runs from his 10 overs.

Australia

D. Warner run out 18
R. Ponting c Kohli b Vinay Kumar 6
M. Clarke b Yadav 38
P. Forrest c Vinay Kumar b Yadav 66
D. Hussey c Sehwag b Khan 72
D. Christian run out 39
M. Wade b Vinay Kumar 16
R. Harris not out 2
C. McKay run out 3
Extras (lb4, w4, nb1) 9
Total (eight wickets for; 50 overs) 269
Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Ponting), 2-53 (Warner), 3-81 (Clarke), 4-179 (Forrest), 5-235 (Hussey), 6-254 (Christian), 7-265 (Wade), 8-269 (McKay).
Bowling: Khan 10-0-46-1, Vinay Kumar 10-1-58-2 (1nb,1w), Jadeja 10-0-50-0 (2w), Yadav 10-1-49-2 (1w), Ashwin 8-0-47-0, Sharma 2-0-15-0.

Toss: Australia
Umpires: Nigel Llong (ENG) and Paul Reiffel (AUS)
TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford (AUS)
Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
(AFP)