SK Epic Cricket Fails: A comedy of errors in the final over of Australia's innings
The Indian bowlers were on fire against the Kangaroos on the third day’s play of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. After India were bowled out for 332 in their first innings, Umesh Yadav struck in the 4th over of the Australian innings by dismissing David Warner.
WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT HERE
They soon found themselves in a spot of bother after losing Matt Renshaw and Steve Smith in quick succession. However, Glenn Maxwell and Peter Handscomb led the revival with a 56-run stand amongst themselves.
Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane produced a stunning catch to dismiss Handscomb and the Australian batting line up crumbled soon after. Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja were amongst the wickets and Australia soon found themselves 9 wickets down with 122 runs on the board.
Extra Cover: SK Play of the Day: Ajinkya Rahane takes a stunner to send Peter Handscomb back
Matthew Wade was the only batsman left at the crease and he decided to take matters into his own hands by counter attacking the Indian bowlers. He hit a couple of fours of Ashwin’s bowling and was looking to extend Australia’s lead.
A misfield in the 53rd over of the innings led to Josh Hazlewood being on strike against Ashwin in the very next over.
Here is what happened in the eventful over which eventually was the last over of the Australian innings:
53.3: Ashwin’s delivery kept low to gully as Hazlewood edged it. Murali Vijay took the catch and immediately ran towards the pavilion in order to padded up and come out to bat. However, umpire Ian Gould wasn’t too sure whether Vijay took the catch or not so he referred the decision to the third umpire with the soft signal being out. However, replays suggested that the ball touched the ground after Vijay caught it hence the batsmen came back to the crease.
Steve Smith was clearly unhappy with what happened on the field and showed his displeasure at the whole incident.
53.4: Ashwin bowled a carrom ball which Hazlewood left alone.
53.5: Ashwin bowled a rather straight delivery which went straight onto Hazlewood’s pad and then into the silly point’s hand. Umpire Gould immediately raised his finger and the batsman reviewed the decision. There was no edge so the third umpire checked for the LBW and it was given out with the ball clipping the middle stump.
The Australians were bowled out for 137 and the Indian side ended the day with 19 runs on the board without the loss of any wicket and just need another 87 runs to win.