Australia head into the second One Day International (ODI) against India in Hobart with renewed confidence and a clear focus on adaptability, following a comprehensive win in Brisbane that has helped steady their campaign in an otherwise fluctuating multi-format series. After conceding the T20I series to India earlier in the tour, the hosts levelled the overall contest on points with a disciplined all-round display in the first ODI, reinforcing their belief in the 50-over format as a foundation of their success.
Speaking to reporters in Hobart, all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner acknowledged that the series to date has been marked by inconsistency rather than dominance. “We have played some good cricket along the way and have played some not-so-good cricket in patches as well,” Gardner said, reflecting on Australia’s performances across formats. “So being able for us to string that together, I felt like that last game was kind of a perfect performance.”
The Brisbane victory arrived at a critical juncture for Australia. After India had taken the upper hand in the T20Is, questions emerged around form, injuries and selection balance, particularly with several senior players sidelined. Australia responded by tightening their execution with the ball and showing composure in the chase, a reminder of why the side has traditionally been difficult to beat at home in one-day cricket.
“There was certainly disappointment within the camp to lose that T20 series, but we knew that when we focus on ourselves and we play really good cricket, that we are the best team, and I think we need to take a lot of confidence in that,” Gardner said. The emphasis on internal standards rather than external pressure has been a recurring theme for Australia as they attempt to regain control of the series.
The ODI leg also offers Australia a format they believe best suits their strengths. Depth in batting, varied bowling options and strong fielding standards have historically made them formidable over 50 overs, and the Brisbane result reinforced that belief.
“Going into the one-day series, I still feel like that’s probably one of our best formats and then getting the win up in Brisbane, we’ve got a very good record up there, and I think what we did really well was just focus on ourselves and make sure to keep our game plan really simple – (we adapted) when it was necessary, and that’s what we’re going to have to do tomorrow as well,” Gardner said. “I think just being able to adapt, full stop, is our MO going forward.”
India, meanwhile, arrive in Hobart knowing they remain firmly in the contest. The visitors, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, have already demonstrated their ability to challenge Australia in Australian conditions, particularly during the T20I series. While concerns linger around injuries and workload management, India’s batting depth and growing confidence have made them increasingly competitive against the world champions.
The Hobart surface is expected to present a different challenge from Brisbane, placing greater emphasis on reading conditions and adjusting plans on the run. Australia’s camp has stressed that flexibility, rather than rigid adherence to pre-match strategy, will be key if they are to maintain momentum and put pressure on India heading into the remainder of the ODI series.
With the series finely balanced and both sides conscious of the broader implications for rankings and preparation cycles, the second ODI looms as a pivotal fixture. For Australia, it represents a chance to assert control and validate their belief in adaptability as a defining trait. For India, it is an opportunity to disrupt that momentum and reassert the form that delivered them the T20I series.
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