The young Australian pacer, Jhye Richardson bowled a spell of 4-26 which played a crucial role in Australia’s 34-run win over India in the first ODI of the three-match series on Saturday and the young pacer was named Player of the Match afterward.
Accepting his award during the post-match presentation, the Richardson said, “Credit to them, they gave us a run for our money in those middle overs. Wahen you have a team three down early, it becomes difficult to bounce back. I am very happy to get (Kohli’s) wicket, but more happy with the win. As a bowling unit, we are clear about our plans, doing our homework and being professional out there. I think it was about assessing the conditions more than anything else. Felt like bashing the wicket was quite difficult here. In the end, it became easier to bowl with the softer ball. My finger’s fine.”
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However, while players who win that award are usually handed some form of the cash reward, Richardson’s prize left quite a lot to be desired. In a nice gesture, the prize money meant to be handed out to the player was donated to charity but the alternative award handed to Richardson – a bat grip and some shoelaces – had many fans confused.
Exciting quick Jhye Richardson is the @GilletteAU Player of the Match with his 4-26 from 10 overs! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/EtQ3heBrsA
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 12, 2019
Australia brilliantly won the game at the SCG. While the hosts scored 288/5 in the first batting, the visiting side India managed to reply with a score of 254/9 at the end of their quota of 50 overs, despite Rohit Sharma’s brilliant knock of 133 runs.
Here are some of the reactions from fans after knowing about the alternative award:
Jhye Richardson just got a bat grip and some shoe laces for winning MOTM in the #AUSVIND ODI What, they can't even give him a bottle of champagne or something? Worst prize ever
— Sami Dowd (@samidowd) January 12, 2019
Interesting to see 'a bat grip and shoe laces' being given to the Man of the Match as a prize in an international match.🤔😂😂😂
This is ridiculous!#AUSvIND #INDvAUS #Richardson #MoM
— Parag🇮🇳 (@im_parag21) January 12, 2019
Nice touch to donate the cash prize to charity but what’s with the remainder of the prize, bat grip and shoe laces?
— Antonio Carbone (@tonkydreamer) January 12, 2019
Player of the match Jhye Richardson gets presented with a bat grip and some shoelaces for his efforts. Knock yourself out @cricketcomau! #AUSvIND @FoxCricket
— Andy Mac (@andream75) January 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/Mikeinnes7/status/1084036187491262466
Wow Jhye Richardson just won a bat grip and some shoelaces for being man of the match… Aus Cricket must have reeeeally run out of sponsors #AUSvIND #U12s?
— Steven Fitzgerald (@SFitzyyy) January 12, 2019
With Australia taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, the second ODI is scheduled to take place on January 15 at the Adelaide Oval.
