Axar Patel fired Mitchell Starc during WTC Final©Twitter
Axar Patel stunned fans and pundits alike by putting on a brilliant run-out to sack Mitchell Starc on Day 2 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at The Oval on Thursday. It was an athletic effort from Axar, who came on as a substitute for Mohammed Shami, and was a crucial wicket from India’s perspective as they look to beat Australia cheaply in the first innings. Starc played the ball towards mid-off with soft hands, but Axar was very quick. The fielder picked up the ball with his left hand and, although he lost his balance, was able to complete the throw which went into the stumps. Replays show that Starc was unable to hold his own.
Excellent stuff from Axar Patel!#WTC Final | #WTC2023 Final | #axarpatel | #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/S7cmC73U0j
— Gowtham (@Gowthiss) June 8, 2023
Indian bowlers gave a better picture of themselves as they picked up four wickets, even as Australia reached a comfortable 422 for seven at lunchtime on the second day of the World Test Championship final.
Travis Head (163 off 174 balls) and Steve Smith (121 off 268 balls) laid the groundwork with a 285-run partnership.
For India, Mohammed Shami (2/102 in 27 overs), Mohammed Siraj (2/106 in 27 overs) and Shardul Thakur (2/83 in 22 overs) each took two wickets.
Substitute Axar Patel accounted for Mitchell Starc’s run-out while Alex Carey (22 at bats) and skipper Pat Cummins (2 at bats) lined up at halftime.
(with PTI inputs)
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