Published: Feb 05, 2015, 05:07 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 05, 2015, 05:11 PM (IST)
Australia have always been a formidable fielding unit. They have redefined fielding in every possible way and have taken some breathtaking catches to send the rivals back to the pavilion. One big feature of their fielding is the fearlessness they exhibit.
One such glaring example of spectacular fielding came in the 1985-86 Benson & Hedges World Series Cup which was played between Australia (host), New Zealand and India. After the completion of 15 matches between them, Australia and India made it to the finals. The first final saw Australia defeat India by 11 runs.
The second final was played on February 9, 1986 at Melbourne and Australia after winning the toss elected to field first. Kris Srikkanth and Sunil Gavaskar opened for India, but Gavaskar lost his wicket to Allan Border early on.
It was 66 on board with Srikkanth facing New South Wales all-rounder Greg Matthews in the 21st over. Matthews, bowling off-spin, gave enough flight to invite Srikkanth down the ground and it work off. The batsman accepted the invite and charged down the ground and struck the ball with immense power, but failed to get the elevation. The ball came off the bat like a bullet and Matthews in no time got down snapping it with his right hand. When batsmen generally hit it so hard, bowlers avoid trying to stop it in order to not hurt themselves. Here Matthews was fearless and put his bowling hand to risk, but it did pay off, thanks to his amazing reflexes.
Australia won the match by seven wickets and went on to lift the World Series Cup.
