MS Dhoni: Ishant Sharma was available but with finger injury we chose not to risk him

Eyebrows were raised in morning when India dropped their spearhead bowler in Ishant Sharma.

New Delhi: Indian bowlers couldn't manage to defend the challenging total of 309-run on Tuesday as MS Dhoni and Co lost the opening match against Australia by five wickets, with for balls remaining.

Eyebrows were raised over the team selection in the morning when India dropped their spearhead bowler in Ishant Sharma.

However, after the match Dhoni gave the real picture as he said: “Sharma was available but with a finger injury we chose not to risk him.”

Indian bowling line-up missed the spark as the Aussies managed to win the match with an ease even after losing both their openers early in their innings.

Barring debutant left-arm pacer Barinder Sran, no other Indian bowler troubled the Australians.

Dhoni also missed the services of another premier pacer Mohammed Shami, who returned back home from the tour due to lack of fitness.