IND vs ENG [WATCH]: Phil Salt falls victim to a comical run-out during the 1st ODI

Cricket, often dubbed a game of glorious uncertainties, lived up to its reputation in the first ODI between India and England at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday. England’s explosive opener, Phil Salt, was in the midst of a fiery innings before a comical mix-up led to his untimely dismissal. The incident not only halted Salt’s charge but also gave India a much-needed breakthrough in a high-stakes encounter.

Phil Salt’s blazing start comes to a halt

Salt, known for his aggressive batting style, was in fine touch as he took the Indian bowlers to the cleaners. With 43 runs off just 26 balls, including seven boundaries and a six, Salt was setting the stage for a mammoth total. Alongside Ben Duckett, he had stitched a 75-run opening partnership, putting England in a commanding position. However, cricket is a game where fortunes can change in a matter of seconds, and Salt’s innings was no exception.

Salt and Ben Duckett’s chaotic communication results in a run-out

The turning point came in the ninth over when Salt played a cut shot towards the cover-point region. Shreyas Iyer, India’s agile fielder, sprinted to his left, slid swiftly, and collected the ball cleanly. Without wasting a moment, Iyer unleashed a rocket throw aimed at the striker’s end. KL Rahul, stationed at the stumps, collected the ball with ease.

Meanwhile, Salt, eager to steal a third run, sprinted down the pitch, only to realize that his partner, Duckett, was ball-watching. The miscommunication left both batters stranded at the same end. Rahul calmly dislodged the bails, sending Salt back to the pavilion in what can only be described as a comedy of errors.

Also WATCH: Phil Salt powerfully thrashes debutant Harshit Rana in a 26-run over during the 1st ODI

Here’s the video:

Excellent Run-out 👍
Sensational Catch 👌

Some fielding magic from #TeamIndia! 🪄 🙌

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— BCCI (@BCCI) February 6, 2025

India capitalizes on the momentum

Salt’s dismissal proved to be the catalyst India needed to claw their way back into the game. The wicket not only broke England’s momentum but also exposed their middle order to the pressure of rebuilding. Soon after, debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss Duckett, further denting England’s progress.

The Indian bowlers, buoyed by these breakthroughs, tightened their grip on the game. England’s middle order struggled to stabilize the innings, and the team eventually folded for 248 runs in 47.4 overs, falling short of a good competitive total.