Ashton Agar looks out for ball: The Australian all-rounder was seen wandering around in the empty stand at the SCG.
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During the first ODI of the ongoing New Zealand’s tour of Australia in Sydney, various unusual scenes were recorded primarily due to the match being played behind closed doors in the wake of threat possessed by coronavirus.
While the outbreak of the virus has had a stellar impact on major tournaments, this match became the first one to be played in an empty stadium.
After New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was caught in search of the ball in the stands, the second innings saw Australia all-rounder Ashton Agar performing a similar duty.
It all happened on the third delivery of the 24th over when New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham hit a flat six off a loose delivery bowled by Australia part-time bowler Steve Smith.
ALSO WATCH: Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh in splits after David Warner misses half-century celebration
With the ball hitting one of the chairs, it had rolled down to the walking area in the stands. Not aware about the same, Agar was soon accompanied by reserve Australian players who all started looking for the ball. Eventually, it was someone from the SCG who found the ball.
Chasing a 259-run target, Australia bundled out New Zealand for 187 in 41 overs to register a 71-run comprehensive victory. Opening batsman Martin Guptill scoring a laboured 40 (73) saw him top-score for the Kiwis.
Having registered bowling figures of 7-0-29-3, Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was declared the Man of the Match. Other than Marsh, fast bowling duo of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood picked three and two wickets respectively.
Ashton Agar looks out for ball
Like a needle in a haystack#AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/T6A29tKaYj
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020
How Twitterati reacted:
The things you have to worry about as an international cricketer these days – fetch the ball if it’s been hit for a six into the stands off your teammate. These are truly crazy times. #AUSvNZ #SCG pic.twitter.com/Yyj2eXOcHO
— Ajesh Ramachandran (@Edged_and_taken) March 13, 2020
The SCG crowd isn’t completely empty… @scg | #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/Bfi37BXlRA
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020
This is a no-handshake zone! #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/DNrppiGxC2
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020
Steve Smith is a gun in the gully! #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/1SrwWQqDEg
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020
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