Watch: Australia-New Zealand Players Avoid Customary Handshake After 1st ODI

The players of the Australia and New Zealand cricket teams avoided the customary handshake after the first One-Day International (ODI) at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.

As New Zealand, led by their captain Kane Williamson lined-up for the hand-shake, he gestured towards his rival skipper Aaron Finch as they exchanged warmed applause instead of the handshake.

Heartwarming gesture from Australia-New Zealand players

It was a heart-warming gesture by the Australia and New Zealand players in the wake of the novel coronavirus. In a situation when the novel coronavirus has been declared as a pandemic and matches are played behind closed doors, this method can be used all around the world.

The moment has been well documented by Cricket Australia. “This is a no-handshake zone!,” their official website captioned the video.

This is a no-handshake zone! #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/DNrppiGxC2

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020

Australia beat New Zealand by 71 runs

All-round Australia beat New Zealand by 71 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Openers David Warner and Aaron Finch notched up half-centuries to get the home team to a good start. Later, Marnus Labuschagne scored 56 runs to help Australia post a total of 258/7 in the stipulated 50 over. For New Zealand, spinner Ish Sodhi was the pick of the bowlers with a three-wicket haul.

In response, New Zealand lost wickets in quick succession. But veteran opener Martin Guptill contributed with a well-composed 40 run knock. He, however, failed to find support in any other Kiwi batsmen as the visitors were bundled out for 187 runs in 41 overs.

The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Saturday.