Shreyas Iyer slammed a sensational century against Australia in 2nd ODI (AP Image)
Shreyas Iyer scored his third ODI century in just 86 balls which turned out to be a big relief for Team India ahead of ODI World Cup.
Stylish India batter Shreyas Iyer slammed a scintillating century against Australia in the second ODI at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. Iyer, who was under the scanner regarding his fitness, silenced his critics as India ticked another big box ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.
The middle-order batter scored his third ODI century in just 86 balls. He batted with positive intent and put pressure on the Aussie bowlers by hitting boundaries at regular intervals. Unlike the first ODI, there was great communication between Iyer and Gill on Sunday as the duo complemented each other and ran well between the wickets.
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The flamboyant batsman scored 10 fours and 3 sixes to en route his sensational century.
The Mumbaikar returned to competitive cricket in Asia Cup 2023 after a long lay-off due to a back injury. After the group matches, Iyer sustained a back spasm and missed the Super 4 stage and final.
However, in the absence of Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, Iyer returned to the playing XI in the first ODI against Australia. It turned out to be a forgettable outing for him in Mohali as he was run out for 3 on a flat track. But he grabbed the opportunity with both hands and stamped his authority over the Australian bowlers in Indore.
He came out to bat in the fourth over after Josh Hazlewood got the better of Ruturaj Gaikwad early for just 8. The talented batter edged the ball behind stumps where Alex Carey claimed a fine catch.
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Iyer, coming at number three, found his groove by taking two boundaries off a lofted cover drive and a wristy clip against Johnson. He followed it up with a drive on-the-up against Hazlewood, taking three boundaries in his first seven balls.
He went on to smash Sean Abbott through the line and pulled past Carey off Hazlewood to take two more boundaries.
The century turned out to be a big relief for the Indian management who were looking for the big answers in the series and Iyer’s knock solved the biggest hurdle.
The stylish batter was dismissed for 105 in the attempt of a big shot as he was having some cramps in his hand which resulted in a lapse of concentration.
KL Rahul has already cemented his place in the middle-order while now the race for another spot is between Kishan and Iyer as with the century the latter has taken some lead.
