In the ongoing 3-match ODI series opener against India, Australia’s Megan Schutt showcased a masterclass in bowling as she claimed her best bowling figures in the format, finishing with figures of 5/19.
Schutt was on fire with the ball in the first ODI against India at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. The visitors elected to bat first, but Australia pushed India on the backfoot straightaway, courtesy of the 31-year-old veteran pacer.
Schutt provided the opening breakthrough for the hosts as she dismissed the left-handed batter Smriti Mandhana with a short-pitch delivery. Mandhana, who had struck two boundaries’ moments earlier, edged the ball into the gloves of wicket-keeper Beth Mooney as Schutt had the last laugh.
Schutt displayed her ability to move the ball both ways, opening the attack alongside Kim Gath, leaving the Indian batters guessing. She pitched her deliveries in good areas, exploiting the early moisture in the pitch and adjusting her length accordingly. Later on, Schutt dismissed Priya Punia, for three, who struggled to get going throughout her time at the crease.
She returned and claimed her third wicket in the form of Richa Ghosh for 14, dismissing Ghosh in similar fashion to Smriti Mandhana, with a short pitch delivery, resulting in an easy catch at short mid-wicket. She then cleaned up Saima Thakor and Priya Mishra on consecutive deliveries to bowl India out for 100.
Schutt’s fierce spell saw her register her best bowling figures in the ODI cricket as she finished with figures of 5/19 in 6.2 overs. It was Megan Schutt’s first fifer in the 50-over format as well as the best bowling figures in ODIs against India by an Australian bowler in Australia.
Schutt’s success in the first ODI was a mix of her raw skills and brilliance which saw her not only use the early moment in the pitch but also utilizing the bounce in the pitch through her short-pitch bowling.
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