Whirlwind Wade propels Australia

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Matthew Wade clears the ropes during his electrifying innings of 72, which helped Australia to a 31-run triumph over India in the first Twenty20 international to be staged at Sydney's Stadium Australia

George Bailey’s reign as Australia’s Twenty20 captain got off to the perfect start as his side eased to a 31-run victory over India in the first Twenty20 international staged at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

A crowd of almost 60,000 - a new record attendance for a single day’s cricket in New South Wales - was treated to a thrilling innings of 72 off 43 balls from wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, on only his third appearance for Australia, which helped the hosts to an imposing total of 171 for four.

India quickly slumped to 53 for four in reply and finished some way short on 140 for six, despite an unbeaten 48 from skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

David Hussey chipped in with 2-4, having earlier contributed a 30-ball 42 with the bat, while veteran left-arm chinaman Brad Hogg, who turns 41 on Monday, returned 1-21 from four overs on his return to the international arena.

India have now lost all five of their matches against Australia on this tour, and face the challenge of bouncing back when the teams meet at Melbourne for the second and final T20 on Friday, which will be followed by a triangular one-day international series also involving Sri Lanka.

Bailey, leading Australia on his international debut, lost the toss but then saw his side make a fine start courtesy of Wade and the in-form David Warner, who dashed to 25 with the aid of a sensational switch-hit for six over midwicket off Ravichandran Ashwin.

Much to India’s relief, Warner departed in the next over when he skied Vinay Kumar to Suresh Raina at extra cover.

Yet Wade, preferred to Brad Haddin for this series and the first three Commonwealth Bank Series ODIs, continued to prosper and, after Travis Birt had been dismissed by Ashwin for 17, brought up his half-century with a glorious straight six off Ravindra Jadeja.

With Hussey also settling into his stride, Australia were well placed at 131 for two when rain forced a brief delay in the 15th over.

Wade fell shortly after the resumption, bowled by one from Jadeja that skidded on, while Hussey, who hit three maximums, was bowled by Rahul Sharma with the penultimate delivery of the innings.

India’s chase started dismally, the dangerous Virender Sehwag edging Brett Lee’s third ball to Hussey at slip.

A partnership of 41 in five overs between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli lifted the tourists, only for wickets to then tumble in three consecutive overs.

Hussey had Gambhir caught at cover for 20 and bowled Rohit Sharma for a golden duck either side of Kohli holing out to long-on to give Hogg a breakthrough in his first over.

India were unable to recover and all-rounder Dan Christian removed Raina and Jadeja in successive overs to further weaken the tourists’ position.

Dhoni at least offered some resistance with his 43-ball knock, which contained three sixes, but it was nowhere near enough.