Shubman Gill faced a terrifying moment when he was struck on the helmet by a bouncer from Josh Hazlewood in the very first over of India’s innings against Australia. This moment captures the challenging start for the Indian team.
India’s top order faced a challenging start in the second T20I against Australia, with early wickets quickly putting them under pressure. Sent in to bat first, openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma began their innings against a fiery spell from Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood’s very first over signaled trouble, immediately setting a demanding tone for the match.
Just moments later, Gill was given out LBW to a sharp delivery, though a review showed the ball sailing over the stumps, granting him a temporary reprieve. However, this relief was fleeting. Hazlewood’s next two deliveries beat the bat, with one bouncer rising sharply and striking Gill on his helmet.
The Australian pacer, Josh Hazlewood, immediately showed concern, walking over to check on the Indian opener. The team physio quickly attended to Gill, performing a concussion test. After a brief pause, Gill signaled that he was okay to continue batting.
Unfortunately, the impact of the blow seemed to affect Gill’s concentration, and his time at the crease was cut short. He was soon dismissed for a mere five runs, triggering a rapid collapse of India’s top order. Sanju Samson, Captain Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma all fell quickly, leaving India in significant trouble. By the third delivery of the seventh over, half the side was back in the pavilion, with Abhishek Sharma left as the sole batter offering some resistance.
Hazlewood’s initial spell was particularly effective, creating visible discomfort for the Indian batsmen with his steep bounce and precise movement, forcing them into errors. The Australian fielders provided excellent support, maintaining high intensity as the wickets tumbled quickly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
After just 13 overs, the visitors found themselves struggling at 92 for 5. Hazlewood was responsible for three of those crucial wickets, while Nathan Ellis claimed another. Adding to India’s woes, Axar Patel was run out in a moment of unfortunate confusion while attempting a third run.