'Big player' David Warner's wicket got me 'pumped up', says debutant Barinder Sran

Perth, Jan 13: India's new fast bowler Barinder Sran admitted he could have bowled better in his debut ODI against Australia at the WACA ground on Tuesday (January 12). However, the left-arm said he was "pumped up" after dismissing David Warner.

1st ODI report; Smith sledges Sran" title="Ind-Aus series schedule; 1st ODI report; Smith sledges Sran" />Ind-Aus series schedule; 1st ODI report; Smith sledges Sran

Sran, the 23-year-old left-arm quick, made his international debut yesterday. He had a satisfying outing, claiming the wickets (3/56 in 9.2 overs) of Aaron Finch, Warner and Australia captain Steve Smith.

Before start of play, Sran was handed his India cap by skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. India batted first and piled up 309/3 thanks to Rohit Sharma's record 171 not out.

When it was India's turn to bowl, Dhoni straightaway handed the new ball to the youngster. He bowled the 1st over. He also bowled the final over of the match. (Series photo gallery)

"When I was in that huddle receiving the cap from Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), it was as if my dream was turning into a reality," Sran told the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) website after the match.

"Every member in the team told me that I will do well and encouraged me to do well with the ball. It was an amazing feeling," he added.

The son of a farmer, Sran pulled off a stunnnig return catch for his maiden international wicket. He sent back right-handed opening batsman Finch. Soon, he removed Finch's partner Warner.

"The first wicket gave me immense joy and at the same time released a lot of pressure off me. It gave me more confidence to do well ahead. Getting the priced scalp of Warner was important and it happened in the very next over. I was overjoyed to get such a big player's wicket which got me pumped up," the tall bowler said.

After 6 overs in his first spell where he took 2 wickets, Sran was held back till the 40th over. When he returned, he took one more wicket - Smith, in the final over the match. By that time Australia were cruising towards victory and sealed the game by 5 wickets with 4 balls to spare.

In his first game, Sran was also targeted by Smith as the Australian sledged him.

"I did get wayward towards the end of the match. I feel I could have bowled better. I did try to bowl a few slower bouncers which didn't quite go my way, but I will put in more effort so that I can do better in the future.

"It feels good to pick three on ODI debut, but had we broken the Smith-Bailey partnership earlier, the result could have been different. My aim will be to bowl at the right areas in the forthcoming matches," he signed off.

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