Cricket on mute after Coronavirus attack

The escalating spread of COVID-19, commonly called ‘coronavirus’, forced Cricket Australia to lock out fans for the first Gillette ODI series match – and subsequent two games – resulting in an eerie hybrid of a cricket match; part international, part club game.

Nathan Lyon, making his international commentary debut with Fox Cricket, was asked at dinner if playing this game was like playing in the empty stadiums of the UAE. Lyon shook his head, quickly pointing out there are at least 100 people in the stands in places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“It was unique and something I haven’t experienced before playing cricket for Australia in front of half a dozen people,” said captain Aaron Finch.

“I think all in all it was a pretty good result compared to what has happened around the world with sporting events being cancelled. It was great to get out and put on a pretty good show for the fans watching at home.”

With no fans in attendance, the match was very much no frills.

There were no replays on the big screens. No music between overs. No public announcer. No Kiss Cam. There were also no handshakes. 

Well, there was one when captains Finch and Kane Williamson shook hands after the Aussie skipper won the toss. The pair quickly recoiled in jest and when they went their separate ways, Finch put forward a fist bump and Williamson offered an elbow.

Without the buzz off a crowd, every grunt, groan, quip, query and crack of leather on willow could be heard. Except by umpire Paul Wilson, who missed an edge off Aaron Finch’s bat, and while the Kiwis went up they decided not to review.

Milestones were muted – a quick raise of the bat to applauding teammates was all the emotion expended.

Wicket celebrations were just as restrained. You would not have known D’Arcy Short had picked out Henry Nicholls on the mid-wicket boundary if you were relying on sound alone.

However, Adam Zampa could not help but create and echo of excitement when he produced a sublime wrong’un, perhaps the best delivery of his career, to castle Williamson.

The over rate too flowed faster. Why that is the case without crowds is hard to put a finger on. But without a crowd the fielders had to climb over the fence and fetch the handful of sixes that were struck into the bays of empty seats.

The match ended with little fanfare, as the players traded fist bumps and walked off the field to the same silence they enjoyed for whole day and which is set to continue on Sunday.