India’s much-awaited tour of Australia got underway with the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday (November 27).

Opting to bat first, Australia piled up a mammoth 374/6 in 50 overs on the back of stunning centuries from Aaron Finch (114 off 124 balls) and Steve Smith (105 off 66 balls). David Warner (69 off 76 balls) and Glenn Maxwell (45 off 19 balls) also made significant contributions with the bat.

Amid the carnage, Mohammad Shami bowled well for India, claiming 3 wickets by conceding 59 runs in his 10 overs.

In reply, the visitors could manage 308/8 in 50 overs. Opener Shikhar Dhawan (74 off 86 balls) and all-rounder Hardik Pandya (90 off 76 balls) were the lone warriors for India during the chase.

Reflecting on the loss, India skipper Virat Kohli admitted that the body language of his team wasn’t great after 25 overs in the game.

“Got enough time to prepare. Don't think there can be any excuses. Probably the first long game we've played in a while, been playing T20 cricket. Probably that's something that can have an effect. Body language wasn't great after around 25 overs,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“If you don't take your chances against a top-quality opposition they'll make you pay. Unfortunately Hardik is not fit enough to bowl, and we don't have other all-round options to pick from either, someone like Stoinis or Maxwell,” he added.

For Australia, Adam Zampa (4-54) and Josh Hazlewood (3-55) were the pick of the bowlers.

Commenting on his team’s batting effort, Kohli said: “From the batting point of view, we had a chat briefly now. All the batsmen committed to it which is why you saw us playing with intent. I think we gave ourselves the best chance. Hardik's innings was the best example of that. As a batting unit we committed nicely to positive cricket and we are going to do that in the future as well.”