In the third ODI between England and Australia at the Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, Brydon Carse of England stunned the crowd with a spectacular diving catch that dismissed Australia’s Steve Smith. The moment, one of the match’s highlights, played a pivotal role in England’s attempt to turn the series around after trailing 2-0.
The match began with England winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Looking to seal the series with another win, Australia got off to a shaky start. Openers Matthew Short and Mitchell Marsh failed to make an impact, leaving Australia in a vulnerable position early on. However, Steve Smith, known for his composure and ability to anchor innings, stepped in to stabilize the situation.
Smith began cautiously, carefully crafting his innings and gradually gaining momentum. He reached a well-earned half-century and seemed poised for a potential big score. But just as he looked set to shift gears and accelerate the run rate, an exceptional piece of fielding from Carse changed the game’s momentum.
ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals Virat Kohli’s Concerns About Low Crowd Turnout During Chennai Test
In the 35th over, bowled by Jofra Archer, Smith attempted a big shot towards the square boundary. Carse, positioned in the deep, sprinted to his left and executed a remarkable diving catch, snatching the ball just inches from the ground. Smith’s knock of 60 from 82 balls ended abruptly, leaving Australia at a precarious 172/5.
WHAT A CATCH from Brydon Carse! 😍👏 pic.twitter.com/902nHCY5g1
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 24, 2024
Despite the setback, Australia managed to post a competitive total of 304/7, thanks to Alex Carey’s unbeaten 77 and handy contributions from Cameron Green (42) and Aaron Hardie (44). Jofra Archer was England’s standout bowler, picking up two wickets. In response, England’s chase started poorly, losing early wickets and finding themselves at 11/2.
ALSO READ: Kanpur Test In Jeopardy Amid Security Concerns: Authorities Take Action
However, a game-changing partnership between Will Jacks, who scored 84, and Harry Brook, with an unbeaten 110*, swung the momentum back in England’s favor. Their aggressive approach put Australia on the defensive, and when rain interrupted play, England was comfortably ahead according to the DLS method. This win kept the series alive, with the score now at 2-1. The fourth ODI will take place at Lord’s on September 27.
