VB Series
Australia, India, Zimbabwe,2003-04 VB Series
Soumya Bhattacharya
15-Apr-2005
At Perth, February 1, 2004. Australia won by five wickets. Australia 6 pts. Toss: India. One-day
international debut: M. E. K. Hussey.
Australia produced a slick performance in a dress rehearsal for the final. With Ponting rested
and Bevan injured, Mike Hussey made his debut on his home ground after a decent - if
unspectacular - season for Western Australia. Tendulkar and Sehwag returned for India, who might
have looked the stronger team on paper, but on the pitch were thrashed. On a WACA strip offering
as much pace and bounce as ever, Lee bowled magnificently. In the face of his genuine speed
and movement, the Indian batting keeled over, losing their sixth wicket at 101. Australia also lost
quick wickets before Gilchrist and Symonds, in a merciless assault, put on 122 in 16 overs.
Australia thundered home with 18 overs to spare.
Man of the Match: A. C. Gilchrist. Attendance: 18,858.