'Big mistake': The embarrassing blunder that sparked Aussie collapse
Australia were on track for an upset victory over India in the second ODI, before a brutal blunder sparked a familiar collapse.
Australia motored to 0-83 chasing 251 in Nagpur, but Aaron Finch’s dismissal on 37 prompted a collapse of 4-49 that was bookended by wickets from left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
But Marcus Stoinis, demoted to No.6 in a reshuffled order following Shaun Marsh’s return, strode to the crease and scored 52 under immense pressure as momentum continued to shift frequently.
The Aussies were back in control at 4-171 with 13 overs remaining, but Peter Handscomb was run out in embarrassing fashion to spark a second collapse.
Stoinis appeared to call Handscomb through for a suicidal single after the latter played the ball straight to Ravi Jadeja at backward point.
Jadeja -one of the deadliest exponents of the direct hit in world cricket – made no mistake and found Handscomb way short of his ground.
“Big mistake,” one commentator said of the inexplicable decision to run on Jadeja’s arm.
Fans also took to social media to troll the Aussies and heap praise on Jadeja, with many calling it the turning point of the match..
WATCH: Don't mess with the Jadeja throw
Mr. Cheetah Ravindra Jadeja at it once more as he sent back Handscomb with a bullet throw at the stumps. #TeamIndia #INDvAUS
— iqbal raza naqvi (@imkaif) March 5, 2019
Everyone praising Bumrah and Vijai shankar but please dont forget that direct hit of Jadeja to send of Handscomb
— Sudheer Asokan (@SudheerAsokan) March 5, 2019
Handscomb took on Jadeja LMAO.
— Anand Srivastha (@Jigarthanda) March 5, 2019
Jadeja should be in the playing XI in the world cup just for his Fielding skills , what a crazy throw to get handscomb out #AUSvIND
— srikanth_ac_24 (@srikanthac) March 5, 2019
Turning point of this match Sir Jadeja Rocket Arm.. to dismiss Handscomb
— Mahesh Dangle (@mahesh_gulab) March 5, 2019
Jadeja's Run out was still the turning point of the match… Handscomb was playing well..also bumrah's last 2 overs 🔥🔥 #INDvAUS
— abhishek dwivedi (@abhishek_srkfan) March 5, 2019
Match turning point… Jadeja run-out to Handscomb 🤘🔥
— Salute Indian Air Force 🇮🇳 (@MSKumar143) March 5, 2019
The Handscomb wicket triggered a collapse of 6-71 as the Aussies fell eight runs short in the final over.
Stoinis heroics fall short
Stoinis, on strike and with 11 runs required when the final over started, looked to attack medium-pacer Vijay Shankar’s first delivery but was instead trapped lbw.
The West Australian reviewed the on-field decision and it only delayed the inevitable.
Adam Zampa scored two to give his teammates hope of a miracle then was clean bowled by Shankar, who was hammered for 13 runs during his only other over in the match.
“We’re all hurting,” Pat Cummins said, having snared 4-29 and dismissed Kohli.
“You always look back … could you have done something different?
“When Marcus is there, you always feel like we’re in with a chance. He’s been the closer for the last couple of years, played some unbelievable knocks and assesses the game really well.
“It’s really, really disappointing to lose but all is not lost, there’s still three games to go.”
with AAP