The first T20I between Australia and England is seeing the match going down the wire. The two heated rivals are exchanging blows on the field with the bat and ball. If there is Australia and England involved, there has to be controversy around the corner. The game on Sunday was no different as there was a huge moment of uproar in the social media and it involves Matthew Wade, the Australian wicket keeper and batter.
Emotions run high at Perth –
The moment of the game happened in the 3rd ball of the of the 17th over. Mark Wood was bowling to Matthew Wade. The Australian went for a pull shot, but the timing was awful. Buttler and Wood both came charging in, but Wade for some reason blocked the bowler. There was a huge uproar from the English players, as the two umpires were seen talking to each other.
Wade given not out as spirit of the game raises its head –
The two umpires decided to give Wade the benefit of doubt, as according to the umpires the Australian did not know where the ball was. The English players though were upset at Wade still being a given to bat. Wade could have been out in 3 forms, firstly the top edge caught his grill and the catch couldn’t be taken. The ball when it landed missed the stumps narrowly and finally for obstructing the field.
Matthew Wade did wrong thing, it's not spirit of the game but he did against England so i am with him #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/HqSRDgXgUt
— Nimitt (@sarcasticnimitt) October 9, 2022
Australia get off the blocks tqui
Chasing 209 to win, the Australian chase got off to a bad start when Cameron Green was out for 1. Mitchell Marsh and Warner then added 71 for the 2nd wicket in 44 balls as both the batters were seen flaying the English bowlers. Marsh fell for 36 off 26 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes. Finch scored 12 before falling to a run out. Stoinis and Warner then added 53 runs before Australia lost the next wicket at 158.
England hold their nerves to eke out a win –
England bowlers came back to remove Warner for 73 off 44 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes. Wade was out for 21 as English bowlers had the last laugh. Australia fell short by 8 runs as they ended their innings at 200. England take a 1-0 lead in the series with 2 more games to go.
Twitter reacts –
The tactics by Wade evoked mixed responses as fans took to twitter to have their say and you can read the tweets below.
Within 5 metres, but Matthew Wade eyes not on the ball. Free kick Wood. I mean, out. #AUSvENG
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) October 9, 2022