Amidst coronavirus threats, Australia and New Zealand are playing Chappell-Hadlee trophy with empty stands. The opening game of the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series is taking place at Sydney Cricket Ground.
Australia, after choosing to bat first posted 258-7 on the board. Opening pair of David Warner (67) and Aaron Finch (60) started the proceedings pretty well and added a 124-run stand. Middle-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne (56) scored his first ODI fifty in Australia while Mitchell Marsh played a handy knock of 27 to take Aussies in a comfortable position.
Another batting genius Steve Smith failed to contribute heavily as he was dismissed at 14 by left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner. Despite posting a low score, Smith managed to impress many with an unreal shot during his short innings.
It all happened during the 27th over of Australian innings when Lockie Ferguson bowled a straight delivery, which was drifting down to the leg side.
Smith stayed deep in the crease, got inside the line and smacked it over the backward square. The extreme pace of Ferguson helped the ball to lands 20 rows back in the empty stands.
Glorious. Stunning. Steve Smith! @bet365_aus | #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/4Ob3UtIXI5
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020
