The Cricket World Cup 2019 has so far lived up to its promise of delivering some special moments on the field. But as it often happens when one team ultimately lifts the trophy, the whole tournament can feel like a bit of a blur.
In an effort to really appreciate these moments whether for their spectacular nature or their meaningfulness, we’ve decided to look at them individually as the competition progresses and package our favourites into one series at the end.
These moments can be anything from a remarkable piece of play or wild celebration to a last-gasp victory or funny occurrence. Really, anything that stands out during this World Cup.
So without further adieu, here’s our latest edition of the series – Sheldon Cottrell’s stunning catch at the boundary to dismiss Australia’s Steve Smith.
WHAT HAPPENED
Australia stalwart Steve Smith and the rest of the spectators at Trent Bridge were left stunned as Cottrell pulled off a blinder of a running catch on the boundary ropes during Thursday’s 2019 ICC World Cup clash.
Smith was batting on 73 at the time when he flicked an Oshane Thomas delivery over backward square-leg in characteristic style. The right-handed batsman connected well and the ball seemed destined to go for a six before Cottrell got there at full pace.
The Windies pacer grabbed the ball cleanly with his left-arm but his momentum was set to take him beyond the boundary ropes. Showing excellent awareness and reflexes, Cottrell tossed the ball into the air before crossing the ropes and then calmly returned to the field in time to complete a brilliant catch.
WHY IT WAS SPECIAL
Pace bowlers are not the most athletic of fielders but Cottrell defied that stereotype with a catch that will make the highlight reels for some time to come.
The left-armed bowler had just bowled the previous over before being deployed to the boundary ropes and could be forgiven for wanting a slight breather. However, he was completely switched on when the moment arrived and displayed excellent awareness, flexibility and athleticism to end the innings of a well-set Smith.
Smith was threatening to step on the gas in the death overs and Cottrell’s catch came at just the right time for Windies in that regard.
England’s Ben Stokes had already set the standard in the tournament opener against South Africa with a stunning one-handed grab on the boundary ropes and Cottrell has now more than matched it with his effort at Trent Bridge.
'That's the catch of the tournament from Ben Stokes'
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) June 6, 2019
Sheldon Cottrell: 'Hold my drink'#bbccricket #CWC19 #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/njzcDGEqCj
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