Substitute Yuzvendra Chahal helps India seal controversial win over Australia in first T20 clash

Tourists claim victory after leg-spinner is brought on for concussion victim Jadeja

India captain Virat Kohli, second right, celebrates with Yuzvendra Chahal after the leg-spinner dismissed Aaron Finch of Australia at the Manuka Oval. Getty

India claimed a controversial 11-run victory to win the opening match of their Twenty20 series against Australia in Canberra.

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, on as a concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja and allowed to bowl, took three wickets as Australia fell just short of India's 161-7.

Jadeja was hit on the helmet while batting but, despite seemingly having some issues with his hamstring and being attended to by the India medical team, continued to make a crucial 44 from 23 balls.

For a regular injury, a substitute fielder cannot bat or bowl.

During the interval, Australia coach Justin Langer was involved in a heated discussion with match referee David Boon, his former Australia teammate.

Captain Aaron Finch said that discussion took place after Australia were told that Jadeja had been ruled out with concussion by the India team doctor.

"You aren't challenging a medical expert in that regard," Finch said.

KL Rahul top scored with 51 from 40 balls, his 12th T20 half-century, but Moises Henriques' three wickets stalled India until Jadeja's late intervention.

Australia openers Finch (35) and D'Arcy Short (34) put on 56 for the first wicket, but the introduction of Chahal into the visitors' attack turned the tide their way.

Chahal removed Finch, Steve Smith and Matthew Wade to finish with figures of three for 25.

He was well backed up by Thangarasu Natarajan (three for 30) as Australia ended on 150-7.

"Jaddu got a knock on the side of a head and was a bit dizzy and still is," said India captain Virat Kohli after the match. "Concussion replacements are a strange thing, today it worked for us maybe another time he wouldn't have found a like-for-like. He came in and bowled really well."

The second game of the three-match series will be played in Sydney on Sunday.