A six from Rohit Sharma hit a young girl in the crowd during India’s 10-wicket win over England in the first of three ODIs at The Oval on July 13.
While Jasprit Bumrah stole the show with a career-best, match-defining 6/19 to bundle out England for 110, the India captain showcased his dominant best with an unbeaten 76 off 58 to seal a comfortable 10-wicket win.
Rohit struck six fours and five sixes during his stay and became the first Indian player to hit 250 maximums in ODI cricket. However, there was a moment of concern, with the play being halted briefly during his onslaught.
On the third ball of the fifth over, Rohit pulled one off David Willey, and the ball sailed over the long leg boundary. However, visuals suggested that the ball hit a young girl in the crowd, and she was seen crying while being consoled by her father after the blow.
“It seems someone in the crowd may have gotten hit by this six from Rohit Sharma. Fingers crossed, nobody is hurt,”
said Michael Atherton on air.
“Yes, it looks that way. The way Rohit is looking towards that area, he might have got the message that it’s probably hit someone,”
Ravi Shastri added.
The batter looked concerned, as did Joe Root, who, in a heartening gesture, asked the England team physio to have a check if the kid was fine. As revealed on social media later, Meera Salvi had recovered after being struck.
India went on to seal the chase in just 18.4 overs, with Shikhar Dhawan too remaining unbeaten at 31. Rohit and Dhawan completed 5,000 runs as an ODI opening partnership in the process, becoming only the third pair to do so.
The second T20I will be played at Lord’s on July 14.
