Bizarre! West Indies field with 10 men on a free-hit delivery in second ODI vs Australia

West Indies came back with a bang after losing the first ODI against Australia to level the three-match series 1-1. It was a dominating performance from the home side, albeit with some twists and drama. Opting to bat first, the visitors were rolled over for just 187 by West Indies. But a strange incident had occurred during the game when the Men in Yellow batted.

During the 16th over of innings, Hosein bowled a no-ball. As with the no-ball rule, the field remains the same as the fielding captain is not allowed to tinker with field placements for the next delivery. West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard who was standing at short leg, was not interested to stay in that position.

Rather than standing for Hosein’s next delivery, Pollard went off the field and West Indies were seen playing with just 10 fielders. As soon as this news went viral, a lot of fans started to flood on Twitter stating this strange and unusual act from the West Indies skipper. In a similar instance,  former England off-spinner Graeme Swann did the same act once up on a time in an ODI against Australia. Swann went off the field and was seen standing just outside the boundary rope with his helmet on.

One for the 'never seen that before' pile: No-ball called, so field must stay the same for the free hit. But Pollard (understandably) has no interest in staying at short leg where he had been standing. So he goes off the field and WI field with 10 men for the free hit #WIvAUS pic.twitter.com/LcYrAZCHHE

— Louis Cameron (@LouisDBCameron) July 24, 2021

Remember Graeme Swann doing it once in an ODI against Australia pic.twitter.com/B2VtH2obH9

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) July 24, 2021

West Indies put up a spirited performance in the second ODI

Speaking about the match, West Indies bowlers were exceptional as Alzarri Joseph, and Akeal Hosein picked up three wickets each. The duo put constant pressure on the Australian batting lineup and didn’t allow any of the batters to settle. For Australia, only Wes Agar and Matthew Wade performed decently with the bat as they scored 41 and 36 respectively.

With the second ODI already delayed due to the COVID-19 threat, the game finally began on Saturday (July 24). With an extra few days between the games, the West Indies fought back well after receiving a hammering in the first ODI. With the series tantalizingly poised at 1-1 all, both West Indies and Australia will be eager to win the third ODI and add some valuable points to the ICC Super League. The third ODI will be played on Monday.