Australia beats India by 72 runs in first ODI of seven-match series

Australia have registered a comprehensive 72-run victory over India in the first ODI of the seven match series.

According to News.com.au, Captain George Bailey's role in the victory cannot be understated, with his exceptional innings of 85 off 82 balls the ideal counterweight to Aaron Finch's aggressive 72 which set Australia off to a flying start.

The end result was India's powerful batting line-up was bowled out for 232, well short of Australia's total of 8-302, the report said.

Australia's seam bowlers shared the wickets around, with James Faulkner cashing in with 3-47, the report added.

Bailey said after the match that the win was huge but it is such a long series that he did not know how important winning the first game was.

MS Dhoni admitted he felt Australia had batted their way into an unbeatable position, believing 260 was a par score on the Pune wicket, the report further said.

Brad Haddin suffered an eye injury in a poorly-timed 'high five' wicket celebration, but returned to the field and isn't considered in doubt for the second fixture in Jaipur on Wednesday, according to the report.