Rohit Sharma's swansong game? Aussies building momentum after early batting scare

DUBAI: India lost the toss in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy tournament on Tuesday. Australia chose to bat first on the bare and cracked pitch. This is the 14th consecutive time India lost the toss in ODI’s.

The Aussies are playing with two changes, while the Indian team remains unchanged. India reached the semi-finals as group A champions in all 3 matches played. India's spin attack is likely to pose a threat for the Aussies. The Kangaroos qualified for the semifinals as the runners-up in Group B. While they beat England in the first match, two matches were abandoned due to rain.

Albeit India’s prowess in limited over games, Australia are known for creating upsets like they did in the ICC World Cup finals two years back. Even in the absence of top-rated players, Australia has stormed into the semifinals with ease. It speaks volumes of the grit and talent within the team.

At the same time, there are also rumors of Rohit Sharma hanging his boots from international cricket if faced with defeat in today’s match. It is likely that Indian superstars such as Virat Kohli and Jadeja will follow suit if Rohit announces his retirement.

At the time of publishing this article, Australia reached 106 runs for the loss of two wickets. Aussie batsman Travis Head was dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy, while Cooper Connolly was sent back to the pavilion for a duck by Mohammed Shami. S Smith is currently at the crease with 36*, partnered by Lasbuschagne.