In the second ODI match, Team Australia had already lost Matthew Short and their captain before the rain break, and once play resumed, Ashwin took center stage to further hurt the handicapped visiting side.

He gave a timely reminder of the guile and value of an off-spinner in India’s squad, heading into a home World Cup.

Ashwin first took the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne and later dismissed David Warner as the Aussie opener was trying to bat right-handed and was hit plumb in front of the stumps in the process.

Josh Inglis was also trapped by LBW shortly afterwards, and the three quick dismissals ensured India nipped the Australian comeback hopes in the bud.