Shreyas Iyer sustained a left rib cage injury while fielding during the third and final ODI between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, October 25. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to their official social media handles to post the update. It also mentioned that Shreyas was taken to the hospital for further evaluation and assessment of his injury.
The incident happened off the fourth ball of the 34th over in the first innings. Harshit Rana bowled
a back-of-a-length delivery to Alex Carey. The wicketkeeper-batter threw his arms at it, looking to go over mid-off, but he ended up slicing a long way up in the air. Shreyas turned around and ran back from backward point before jumping perfectly and holding onto the catch, not allowing the ball to slip out completely.
It was an important breakthrough for the Indian team as Shreyas' sensational fielding effort ended a 59-run fourth-wicket partnership, which was setting Australia up for a grandstand finish. However, the 30-year-old fell awkwardly and looked to be in serious pain. The physio rushed out to the middle to assess the injury. As the umpires called for drinks, Shreyas was taken off the field.
It seemed uncertain whether Shreyas would be able to bat. India were chasing a 237-run target and they lost the wicket of skipper Shubman Gill in the 11th over. Virat Kohli joined forces with Rohit Sharma, and the duo took the Men in Blue to victory. Shreyas, who is India's No. 4 batter, didn't have to come out.
India romped home in just 38.3 overs. Rohit remained unbeaten on 121 off 125 balls, belting 13 fours and three sixes. On the other hand, Kohli made a magnificent 74 not out off 81 deliveries, in an innings which comprised seven boundaries.
Australia had already won the three-match series after winning the first two ODIs. However, India's thumping victory in the third ODI will give them a lot of confidence heading into the five T20Is.
