Fantasy Cricket

[Watch] Jake Fraser-McGurk Flops Again! Asitha Fernando’s Brilliant Reflex Catch Sends Him Packing

by Prateek
February 12, 2025
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Prepend to the Content

Australia’s young opener, Jake Fraser-McGurk, failed to make an impact in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, departing for just 2 runs. Asitha Fernando dismissed him in the third over with a brilliant caught-and-bowled effort, handing Sri Lanka a crucial early breakthrough.

Asitha Fernando Strikes Twice Early

The match, played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, saw Sri Lanka post 214 runs on the board after being put to bat first. Skipper Charith Asalanka was the standout performer, smashing a fighting 127 to lead his team to a respectable total.

Chasing 215, Australia had a disastrous start. Asitha Fernando struck in the very first over, removing Matthew Short for a two-ball duck. Two overs later, he struck again, this time dismissing Fraser-McGurk, who tried to play an aggressive shot but ended up lobbing a simple catch straight back to the bowler.

Fernando bowled a well-directed delivery that forced Fraser-McGurk into an awkward position. As the batter stepped forward for an aggressive stroke, he mistimed the shot, resulting in a leading edge that went straight to the bowler. Fernando reacted swiftly, diving forward to complete the catch and sending the Australian opener back to the pavilion for just 2 runs off 9 balls.

Watch the video here:

Asitha strikes for a second time!

Now it's Fraser-McGurk who goes, offering a leading edge back to Asitha #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/bIjusK0XRt

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 12, 2025

Australia in Deep Trouble Early

Following Fraser-McGurk’s dismissal, Australia found themselves in deep trouble as they lost two more quick wickets. Steve Smith and Cooper Connolly departed in quick succession, leaving the visitors struggling at 31/4 inside the first powerplay.

Story First Published at www.probatsman.com on 12 February 2025