Australian captain Pat Cummins has been questioned over his bizarre call to not hand the ball back to Josh Hazlewood after his economical opening eight overs in their win against South Africa in the Cricket World Cup semi-final.
Hazlewood, who took 2-12 off 48 deliveries, tore through South Africa’s top order alongside fellow fast bowler Mitch Starc (3-34), but after his ruthless start, Hazelwood didn’t bowl again.
The Aussies still managed to keep calm and navigate their way to a three-wicket win over the Proteas with 16 balls to spare, shooting them into the Cricket World Cup final against India on Sunday.
READ MORE: ‘Very strange’ coin toss accusation rocks India
READ MORE: Skipper in shock as South Africa’s curse continues
READ MORE: Boxer blasted for ‘terrible’ act in loss to Aussie
Cummins also raised eyebrows after sticking with spin bowler Adam Zampa after he was beaten by the Proteas’ David Miller (101 off 116) and Heinrich Klaasen (47 off 48), who briefly resurrected their side’s sluggish innings.
The leg-spinner finished with 0-55 from his seven overs.
Australian cricketing legend Ricky Ponting was quick to question the decision to stick with Zampa on Nine’s commentary during the match.
“I am surprised to see him go back to Zampa for that last over. You can see that Miller is sitting and waiting for Zampa to come on,” Ponting said on Nine.
Despite the strange call, teammate Starc praised Hazlewood for his early efforts that set the tone for Australia’s gusty victory.
“I think our powerplay was probably what got us on our way,” Starc said post match.
“There were other key moments through the day with bat and ball, but to start the game like that with Joshie (Hazelwood) and I was great.
“Powerplay wickets have probably not been our strong suit through the tournament, so it’s nice to have a powerplay of what, 2 for 18 or something like that.
“The way Josh bowled throughout to finish two for 12 (from eight overs) was incredible.
Watch Australia take on India in the Cricket World Cup final live and free on Channel Nine and 9Now
“Looking at Josh’s pitch map – that’s what he does so well in Test match bowling. He was incredible today and the way we run off each other to have that powerplay that we did, and carry some momentum through to the middle overs was how we want to start matches. So it was nice to do it in a big game.”
Australia are now looking ahead to the World Cup final where they’ll face India, to be held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.