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England and Australia locked horns in the first of the three-match ODI series the two teams are playing. Pat Cummins invited England to bat first, and the hosts were looking in firm control in the first half of England's innings. While they dismissed four of England's batters within the first 14 overs, Dawid Malan took the game slightly away with his sublime knock. But did not affect the spirit of Ashton Agar as he nearly pulled off a blinder at the deep midwicket boundary.
In the 45th over of England's innings, Pat Cummins bowled a short delivery in the line of the off stump. With not much bounce on it, Malan pounced on the opportunity as he swatted a flat pull shot towards the deep midwicket region. The ball left the bat with a cracking sound and it seemed it would only stop after landing in the stands.
However, as there was not enough elevation on the shot and the ball was in the catching zone, Ashton Agar went for it with a full-stretched jump. The fielder also got hold of the ball and nearly pulled off the catch but in the process of reaching the ball, Agar had crossed the ropes. But the fielder was well-aware of his situation as he quickly got rid of the ball to save a certain six.
Watch the video here:
It was not the only instance of Agar being the best on the field for Australia. Earlier, in the 19th over of the England innings, the spinner almost got Malan as well. On the fifth delivery of the over, Agar almost pulled off a screamer as he dived to his left while fielding at backward point. The fielder got his hand to the ball but it popped out while landing.
Then the spinner ran out Liam Dawson with a direct hit at the non-striker’s end.