Australia vs New Zealand: Lockie Ferguson walks into an empty stand to pick the ball at the SCG

New Zealand is currently involved in the first game of three-match ODI series against Australia that is being played at Sydney Cricket Ground. One thing that was not visible in the game was the presence of spectators as the authorities decided to play the game behind the closed doors due to Coronavirus. And, the players had to do the work that usually spectators do sitting in the stands.

It is clearly visible that the threatful disease has started affecting the global sporting events which are either postponed or are being played without spectators. These measures have been taken by the councils keeping the devastating effects of Coronavirus in mind.

The same was visible in the 1st ODI between Australia and New Zealand in which a single spectator was not present in the ground to cheer the teams. Even, the players had to go into the stands and bring the ball back.

Lockie Ferguson does a spectator’s job in 1st ODI against Australia

In the first game, the hosts’ skipper won the toss and elected to bat. Also, Australia got off to a reasonable start on the back of their openers. Aaron Finch and David Warner opened the innings for their team and looked in touch with the bat. The duo stitched a brilliant partnership of 124 runs for the first wicket before Lockie Ferguson helped his side in getting the first breakthrough of the match. Warner scored 67 runs whereas Finch mustered 60 runs for Australia in the 1st ODI.

Meanwhile, an instance happened on the field that hogged the spotlight for the day. Actually, Finch smacked a six off Ish Sodhi towards cow corner on the first delivery of the 18th over. It was the time when Lockie Ferguson went into the stands, picked up the ball and threw it back to the bowler. The player had to do so because the spectators were not present in the stands.

Meanwhile, Australia were dealt with a blow on the match day when Kane Richardson was quarantined after he struggled due to sore throat. His samples have been taken to test for Coronavirus and results are being awaited even as Sean Abbott has been added to the squad.

Here is the clip:

Good arm, Lockie! #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/xY7QtF5UGf

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020