An unusual decision by the Australian team management was taken in the third and final T20I against India in Bengaluru as Mitchell Starc was promoted to number five only to get out for a three-ball duck.
With Australia searching for quick runs, Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed after a stunning catch from Indian captain Virat Kohli.
Instead of Alex Carey or Ashton Turner coming to the crease, out walked 6’5″ fast-bowler Mitchell Starc.
It was a clear sign of intent from the Aussies, they were 173/3 with a bit under 20 overs left and sent Starc in to try to get on the top of the dangerous Indian spinners.
The plan of sending Starc to up the scoring didn’t come off as he found the cow corner fielder for a third-ball duck while facing Ravindra Jadeja.
Australia managed a below-par 286/9 from their 50 overs, later India cruised to victory with seven wickets and 15 balls to spare to clinch the series 2-1.
Fair to say the cricket world was pretty baffled by the move, with Starc’s wife Alyssa Healy even taking to social media in shock.
🤦🏼♀️
— Alyssa Healy (@ahealy77) January 19, 2020
Have they gone mad??
Mitchell Starc comes in at no5 ahead of Carey & Turner… lasts just three balls. 🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️#INDvsAUS— Tim Hipsley (@TimHipsley) January 19, 2020
Unless this was discussed before the match, I would have paid good money to see JL's reaction on his couch at home of Mitchell Starc walking in at No.5. Third-ball duck too. #INDvAUS
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) January 19, 2020
Ummm…. what?! Starc comes in at No.5! #INDvsAUS
— Kritika Naidu (@Kritzika) January 19, 2020
