Hilfenhaus takes five to decimate India

Ben Hilfenhaus was never a regular in Australia's one-day setup. But after his maiden five-wicket haul against India at the Gabba, he might well be taken more seriously by the selectors, at least in the near furture. Hilfenhaus, playing his first ODI since November 2009, in place of the ill Clint McKay, made a strong case for his retention by moving the ball at good pace on a disciplined line to take five wickets for the first time. He had an ideal counterpoint in Brett Lee, who offered slippery pace and plenty of aggression.

It was a good comeback by Hilfenhaus against the same team that tormented him in two matches in 2009. Her had conceded 83 and 72 off his ten overs in two games in India. This time, he responded with 5 for 33, in India's chase of 289.

Hilfenhaus began with the big wicket of Sachin Tendulkar, caught at third man. Tendulkar, rattled by a short delivery from Lee earlier, was faced with another one from Hilfenhaus and he arched back and upper-cut it straight to third man. He then had Virat Kohli edging to David Hussey at slip.

MS Dhoni went on to 56 as the required rate grew and grew, but his dismissal, pulling Hilfenhaus to midwicket, signalled the end of formal resistance. From then on, it was a matter of how soon Australia could finish things off, and Hilfenhaus hastened their progress. He had the wicketkeeper Matthew Wade to thank for the final two wickets. Both were caught top edging and the keeper had to run a long way for both and catch the ball on the fall.