Miscommunication between fielders leads to Tasmania’s Simon Milenko getting a lifeline

Catching a ball that comes down from the skies isn’t an easy task. It needs to be judged to perfection and the hands also need to be in position in order to grasp it. But one aspect that’s equally holds significance is communication between the fielders. There are times when more than one fielder goes for a catch and both end up in rather awkward positions, dropping the catches.

One such instance came to the fore in Australia’s domestic One Day Cup. The incident took place in the match between the New South Wales and home team Tasmania in Hobart. Simon Milenko, the hosts’ middle order batsman, went for an ugly hoick over the leg side off pacer Nathan McAndrew. The ball went miles in the air and the fielders had ample time to get underneath.

Jason Sangha and Harry Conway tried to settle themselves under the leather. But they didn’t call and hence, both came perilously close to each other. Just when Sangha was set to catch the ball, he slipped and went down. However, Conway got there and got himself in a great position. Unfortunately, he ended up dropping it and Milenko got a rather lucky break.

Here is the video

Tasmania win by a massive margin

The dropped chance didn’t cost NSW much as Milenko could only manage 25 off 36 with three fours. As far as the game is concerned, Tasmania emerged victorious by 120 runs. The visitors decided to field first and the home team got to 251 for the loss of nine wickets. At one point, Ben McDermott and Co were reduced to 96/5 in 22.1 overs, but the game started turning thereafter.

Macalister Wright scored 104 off 118 with eight fours and four sixes. He shared a stand of 109 runs along with James Faulkner, who scored a 76-ball 49. For the Blues, Liam Hatcher was the most successful as he picked up three wickets. The run-chase turned out to be a poor one for the Blues.

Sangha top scored with 23 and there were seven others, who went into double figures. But no one could go on and carry on. In the end, New South Wales were shot out for 131 in 32.3 overs. Jackson Bird ran through the visitors’ batting lineup as he finished with a stupendous six-wicket haul.