Australia's David Warner plays a shot during the first day of their cricket test match against South Africa in Centurion
Australia's David Warner plays a shot during the first day of their cricket test match against South Africa in Centurion February 12, 2014. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
Australia's David Warner plays a shot during the first day of their cricket test match against South Africa in Centurion February 12, 2014.

It was a big first day on Wednesday, Feb 12, 2014, at the Indian Premiere League auctions for successful performers in the recently held Ashes series between Australia and England. Mitchell Johnson, who was awarded the Man of the Series, grabbed a million-dollar contract at the IPL. His teammate Glenn Maxwell accompanied him in the million-dollar race as he too was sold in millions. However, Aussie veteran Brett Lee, Brad Hogg and Daniel Christian did not find a buyer on the first day at the auctions.

This is not the first time Maxwell grabbed a million-dollar deal. He was purchased by Kings XI Punjab for a million in 2013 as well. It was $1.06 million on the table for him. On the other hand, Johnson got his reward for torturing English batsmen with his fiery bowling at the Ashes. The 32-year-old fast bowler bagged a $1.15 million deal.

Some of the Indian players, nevertheless, managed to be the most expensive players of the day. The name that stood out was Yuvraj Singh, the left-handed attacking Indian batsman who has recently recovered from cancer, was sold to Royal challengers Bengaluru for a whopping $2.5 million. The second Indian to get a large amount was wicket-keeper/batsman Dinesh Karthik who was sold to Delhi DareDevils for $2.2 million.

The most expensive foreign player on the first day was Kevin Pietersen who was sold for $1.6 million for DD. All-rounder Jacques Kallis, who has recently retired from the international cricket for South Africa, was sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for $978,000. Sunrisers Hyderabad bought aggressive Aussie batsman David Warner for $978,000. Mumbai Indians bought Michael Hussey for $889,000 and Rajasthan Royals got all-rounder Steven Smith for $710,000.

There were 146 top cricketers who remained unsold on the first day. Significant names among those include Ross Taylor, Mahela Jayawardene and David Hussey. It is understood that most team owners focused on negotiating on the most valuable players on the first day, while many of these are expected to be sold shortly.