WATCH – Sheldon Cottrell’s brilliant catch to dismiss Steve Smith will leave you shocked

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 has produced some magnificent catches. Ben Stokes’ one-handed effort to catch Andile Phehlukwayo off Adil Rashid in the opening game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 clash between England and South Africa has been dubbed as one of the best catches in the tournament. Chris Woakes took a brilliant catch to send back Imam-ul-Haq off Moeen Ali in the match against Pakistan in Trent Bridge. Quinton de Kock took a superb catch off Virat Kohli in the game between India and South Africa in Southampton. In the game between Australia and West Indies in Trent Bridge, Sheldon Cottrell joined the list with a jaw-dropping effort.

In the second ball of the 45^th over bowled by Oshane Thomas, Steve Smith, who had revived the innings with his 20^th fifty and shared a partnership of over 100 with Nathan Coulter-Nile, looked to pile on the agony for the West Indies. A full ball from Thomas on the pads was whipped in the air by Smith to the deep midwicket fence. It was destined to go for a six but Cottrell had other ideas. The left-arm pacer ran to his left and stuck out his left hand as the ball lodged in his hand. However, the momentum was carrying him over the ropes. Cottrell flung the ball in the air, leapt over the ropes and leapt back him while continuing to keep his eyes on the ball. The fielder completed the catch and Smith was given his marching orders.

Sheldon Cottrell take a bow #CWC19Nottingham pic.twitter.com/HiK9LRlrzu

— Matt Wade (@mattwade87) June 6, 2019

Smith and Coulter-Nile, who smashed the highest individual score for a number eight batsman in World Cup history, revived Australia after their top order was blown away by the hostility of the West Indies pacers. David Warner, Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell and Usman Khawaja were sent back cheaply and it took a gritty partnership from Smith and Alex Carey to revive the innings.

RELATED

Australia are playing the West Indies for the first time in a World Cup after 12 years. The five-time champions started their 2019 campaign on a high with a win against Afghanistan while West Indies trounced Pakistan.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Steve Smith smashed his 20th fifty.
• West Indies have not beaten Australia in World Cups since 1996.
• West Indies defeated Pakistan in their 2019 World Cup opener.