Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc didn’t have a good outing in the recently-concluded third T20I of the ongoing five-match series against Sri Lanka at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
Despite the hosts restricted the Lankans at 121/6 in their allotted 20 overs, Starc ended up conceding runs at a dreadful economy rate of 7.50. In his quota of 4 overs, the left-arm speedster gave away 30 runs without taking a single wicket.
During the 18th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, Starc bowled a bizarre delivery which became the most-talked-about moment from the contest. In an attempt to bowl an off-cutter, the New South Wales pacer made a mess of his delivery and conceded five runs.
Starc tried to bowl a slower off-cutter, but the ball slipped out of his hands and landed near the second slip position. Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade did his best to save the ball, but it was too far from him.
“I was going to say it was Steve Harmison-like, but it wasn’t even that. I don’t reckon I’ve ever seen a ball go that wide while I’ve been commentating,” said former Aussie cricketer Brett Lee during the commentary.
Here is the video:
"I don't think I've ever seen a ball go that wide!"
Matthew Wade had no chance with that one! #AUSvSL pic.twitter.com/MjC8sCvYtk
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 15, 2022
Having won the first two games at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia carried the momentum and thrashed the visitors in Canberra to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match leg. Pacer Kane Richardson shined with the ball taking three wickets for 21 in his quota of 4 overs.
In their chase of 122, Glenn Maxwell (39) and skipper Aaron Finch (35) let their bat do the talking as the hosts won the game with six wickets in hand.