Kolkata, Jan 12: Showering praise on Rohit Sharma, former India captain Sourav Ganguly today said the opener is as good as anybody in the world but wondered why he was not able to translate his limited overs performances in Test cricket.

1st ODI report

"I've seen his full innings. He was exceptional today. He is a terrific one day player and it surprises me that he does not turn this performances in Tests," Ganguly said of Sharma's unbeaten 171 that helped India set a competitive 310 to defend against Australia at Perth in their first ODI Down Under.

"In one day cricket, at the top of the order, he's as good as anybody in the world. He's too young to judge at the moment but he's outstanding. He makes the game look easy when he gets going. But when he gets out you feel why did he get out. He is an amazing player in the shorter format of the game. This knock was absolutely brilliant."

However, the total proved to be insufficient for India as Australia scripted a five-wicket win with centuries from George Bailey and skipper Steve Smith to go 1-0 up.

"Honestly, I thought India would win today after getting 309 but I'm sure they would be very disappointed for not being able to defend such a big total. (Defending) 310 is a lot of runs on any wicket in the world."

India had another positive in debutant left-arm pacer, Barinder Sran, who struck early to leave Australia reeling at 21/2 before they turned it around with Smiths' 149 and Bailey's 112. Ganguly was happy to see another young pacer perform for India. "Sran bowled well in these conditions.

I think Australia and Perth is the place to make debut for any fast bowler. India need young pace bowlers. Every time you see a young fast bowler you get excited. He is left arm, tall, bowls close to the stumps. I think he's got a lot of promise. Good luck to him."

Ganguly was speaking to the media after he was named captain and ambassador of Libra Legends in the upcoming Masters Champions League to be played in Dubai from January 28 to February 13.

PTI