Steve Smith hails "outstanding" bowlers as India left to rue "disappointing" display

The Australia captain heaped praise on Mitchell Starc, who picked up 5 for 53. His counterpart, Rohit Sharma, however, believes India did not "play to our potential" in the second ODI

Steve Smith labelled Australia's bowlers "outstanding" in the second ODI between Australia and India, particularly the performance of Mitchell Starc.

The swing bowler picked up 5 for 53, including the big wickets of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as India were all out for 117. The hosts went on to lose by 10 wickets as Australia levelled the series 1-1.

Smith, captaining the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, said: "I thought our bowlers were outstanding this afternoon. Particularly Mitchell Starc with that new ball, swinging it back down the line and putting them under pressure. He was complemented by the rest of our bowling group, so it was a nice start to the day.

"It was one of those days where every time they nicked it, it went to hand. Just one of those days where fortunately we were on the right side of it."

^{India were all out for 117 [Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images]}

This was Starc's ninth five-for in ODI cricket and India struggled to get to terms with his pace and swing. Only four Indian batters managed to post double-figure scores, with Kohli top-scoring with 31. However, following his departure, only Axar Patel provided any resistance, contributing 29 runs.

"We have seen the last two games both sides have swung the ball. I think Mumbai did a little bit more off the surface, but we saw shape in the air here," Starc said.

"For me, it's a part of my gameplan to attack the stumps and bowl a slightly fuller length and bring in all modes of dismissals. I got a couple to shape nicely and back in to hit the pads fortunately, I’ll take them while I can."

Australia, meanwhile, had no such stuggles with the bat, chasing 118 in 11 overs without losing a wicket. Mitchell Marsh blasted 66 runs off 36 balls while Travis Head scored 51 off 30.

^{Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh saw Australia home in 11 overs [Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images]}

Praising his side's ability to "bounce back" after being bowled out for 188 in the series opener, Smith said: "I think the way that Heady and Mitch went out and just went after the bowlers and put them under pressure early.

"When you are chasing 118 you can break the back of it pretty quickly. I thought they did that and just kept going and ended things pretty quickly which was nice. It was a really good day and really proud we were able to bounce back after the last game."

Smith's counterpart, Rohit Sharma, however, was frustrated by his side's performance: "Obviously, if you lose a game, it is disappointing, no doubt about that. We didn't play up to our potential, and that's exactly what happened today.

"We didn't apply ourselves with the bat, we always knew there was not enough runs on the board. It was not a 117 pitch at all, by any means."

The series decider will take place in Chennai on March 22.

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