Mohali: Peter Handscomb, one of the architects of Australia’s record breaking run-chase against India in the fourth ODI here, was confident that young Ashton Turner could replicate his big-hitting exploits in domestic cricket at the international stage.
Handscomb led the way with a brilliant 117, before Turner Sunday smashed a match-winning unbeaten 84 off 43 balls as Australia chased down a mammoth 359-run target with four wickets in hand and 13 balls to spare to level the five-match series 2-2. The series-deciding fifth and final ODI will be played in New Delhi Wednesday.
“Ashton (Turner) is an amazing player. We have seen what he has done in the Big Bash League (for Perth Scorchers) for the past couple of years. We knew he can get the job done. The way he operated against (Jasprit) Bumrah was quite amazing. This knock will give him so much confidence going forward,” Handscomb said after the win.
This was also Handscomb’s maiden international ODI century and speaking about that, the right-hander said, “I am happy. It’s nice to get opportunity to play for Australia and take it. To get it today was pretty special.”
While this will be India’s last ODI series before they go to the World Cup in May, the Kangaroos will get another shot when they take on Pakistan in a five-match ODI series in UAE later this month.
However, on personal front, Handscomb termed Australia’s victory as the ‘best match of his career’, something that will give them momentum ahead of World Cup in England.
“It is a lovely feeling. I have no words to describe my feeling. This was the best match of my career so far. This win will give us a great momentum for the decider and then the World Cup in England. I am just glad that I contributed in the victory,” Handscomb said after the match.
