An unusual decision by the Australian team management was taken in the third and final T🙈20I against India in Bengaluru as Mitchell Starc w🌊as 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 spinn♒ers.
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)
Have they gone mad??
Mitchell Starc comes in at no5 ahead of Carey & Turner… lasts just three balls. 🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️— Tim Hipsley (@TimHipsley)
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.
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP)
Ummm…. what?! Starc comes in at No.5!
— Kritika Naidu (@Kritzika)
