Hussey answers critics with blazing 73

On a featherbed of a wicket in Vadodara, five batsmen from both sides compiled half-centuries, four of which were by the Australians. Michael Hussey began the series under some pressure over his batting form and the national selectors back home were debating his place in the Test side. Hussey knew a strong performance in the ODIs was required to answer his critics and he began the series in style with a classy 73.

He built on Ricky Ponting's solid platform as Australia fought off an Indian revival to post 292 for 8 in Vadodara. Hussey's confidence was key in ensuring the good start was not wasted and in a typically anonymous, accumulating style he compiled his 73 from 54 balls.

Hussey pierced the field several times for boundaries in the final overs and, while he generally took few risks, an enormous straight six off Praveen Kumar in the penultimate over resulted in a lost ball. In the final over he sent a catch down deep midwicket's throat as Ishant Sharma delivered a brilliant 50th over that brought two wickets for one run.

Hussey ticked the score over with hard running but Australia were disappointed with a result of 3 for 33 from their batting Powerplay, which began in the 43rd over with Hussey and Cameron White well set. The Hussey-White partnership had been worth 76 and continued on the solid platform built by Ponting and Paine.

Australia were pushed to the brink by India's lower order as the shadows lengthened and Hussey's blaze was the crucial turning point.