A bizarre catch taken by Steve Smith and the sight of David Warner limping off the field almost overshadowed Australia's one-run win in Sunday's dead-rubber third one-day game.
Smith top-scored with 77 in Australia's 9-231 before Pakistan were bowled out for 230 after losing 2-0 in the 50th over in Abu Dhabi.
Glenn Maxwell was the hero with a double-wicket maiden in the final over for Australia who have won the series three-nil. Earlier, Pakistan left-hander Fawad Alam had faced up to spinner Xavier Doherty during the 18th over and shaped to sweep, prompting Smith to sprint from slip to leg slip and take a simple catch.
Fawad remained on the field to seek clarification from a match official before finally walking off without scoring, hitting the boundary rope with his bat in frustration. A fielder is entitled to move before the ball reaches the batsman as long as it's in response to the shot the batsman is shaping to play. Australia weren't celebrating during the 35th over however as Warner limped off the field after a consultation with team physio Alex Kountouris. Warner could be in doubt for the first Test on October 22.
The opener, who rubbed his thigh before going off, may have joined uncapped all-rounder Mitchell Marsh (hamstring) on Australia's injury list for the Dubai Test. Choosing to bat first on a flat-looking pitch, Australia had struggled to score freely and relied heavily on Warner (56) and No.3 Smith (77).
Smith's 105-ball innings included only two boundaries as the 25-year-old showed patience and skill to find the gaps against Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack.
No comments:
Post a Comment