Watch: Virat Kohli was seen dancing and playing around with Marnus Labuschagne while Steve Smith sat on a chair and received an on-field spa treatment after Australia’s second wicket fell in the third IND vs AUS ODI today (September 27) in Rajkot.
Australia chose to bat first in the final match of the series. Both teams made several changes, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back for India among others, and Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell back for Australia.
On a flat surface, the visitors got off to a flying start with Mitchell Marsh and David Warner taking Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah to the cleaners, something that is hard to visualize given the current form of the two new-ball bowlers for India.
Australia reached 78 in their first eight overs before Warner fell from the first ball of the ninth over for a 34-ball 56. Smith joined Marsh for the second wicket and the duo added 137 runs in under 20 overs.
Marsh was dismissed close to his century as he cut a Kuldeep Yadav ball straight to cover on 96. The extreme heat in Rajkot meant that players were taking frequent drinks breaks. Smith had played 50 balls by the time Marsh was dismissed and was batting on 61.
As Labuschagne came out to bat at No.4, so did several other Australian players with ice packs and towels to help Smith recover from the heat and dehydration as he sat on a chair near the pitch.
Kohli, meanwhile, walked up to Labuschagne and started dancing in front of him before having a lengthy, animated chat as Smith sipped on the energy drinks beside them.
Smith was eventually dismissed for 74 off 61 balls by Siraj.
Watch Virat Kohli dance with Marnus Labuschagne as Steve Smith receives spa treatment:
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