At Melbourne, January 18 (day/night). Australia won by 88 runs. Toss: Australia. Appropriately chastened by his brief omission, Jones joined Boon to lay the base of a solid total. He played a supporting role to Boon, and then moved into the firing line, without becoming extravagant. His runs came from 96 balls, yet contained only three fours. If India suffered from Kapil Dev bowling below his best, they were compensated when McDermott also had a poor day. On an easy pitch, India threatened to run Australia close as they reached 72 with only one wicket lost. But Srikkanth, who had the measure of the bowling, fell to a magnificent catch by Taylor at mid-on. Thereafter, wickets fell at regular intervals, the last five going for only 15 runs.

Attendance: 48,010.

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