India were soundly beaten by Australia on Sunday and have only a slim chance of making the Tri-series final, in the place of Sri Lanka.
India were soundly beaten by Australia on Sunday and have only a slim chance of making the Tri-series final, in the place of Sri Lanka.

India showing signs of desperation in Tri-series, says Australia's David Warner



SYDNEY // Australian opener David Warner said he sensed "desperation" among the Indian visitors as they try to salvage something from their dismal Down Under tour.

Warner, who helped Australia secure their place in the Tri-series ODI finals following a massive win over India on Sunday, said he was surprised by how poorly the tourists had been given the talent and experience at their disposal.

The 25-year-old batsman was man-of-the-match after topscoring with 68 as Australia romped to a bonus-point 87-run win over India in Sydney.

The defeat compounded a wretched run by India, who were hammered 4-0 in the Test series against Australia and have won just two of seven Tri-series games.

India must claim a bonus-point (five point) win over Sri Lanka in Hobart tomorrow and hope the Sri Lankans lose to Australia in Melbourne on Friday to have any hope of playing in the best-of-three match finals series.

Warner said India captain MS Dhoni had voiced disappointment at two controversial umpiring decisions that went against his side on Sunday, revealing the urgency of his desire to arrest their slump.

"We can see the desperation from the Indians this summer ... they're trying to get something out of it," Warner told reporters.

"They got beat 4-0 in the Test series and now they're not doing too well in the one-dayers so they're trying to appeal for anything at the moment."

Warner said he was surprised that India's world class line-up had struggled during the tour, particularly with the bat.

India were again skittled out cheaply on Sunday - for 165 off 39.3 overs in reply to Australia's 252 for nine.

But Warner backed them to bounce back sooner or later.

"They're a very, very good team and there's some serious talent in the side," he said.

"They definitely haven't lost interest, they're always out there for a contest. They'll find their form eventually, after this series."

Warner said the Indian batsmen were letting little things affect them, such as people moving behind the sightscreen.

"Little things are playing on their minds ... so it's obviously affecting their game."