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India star nails one-handed switch hit with broken arm after Moeen Ali effort

Feb. 3, 2023
India star nails one-handed switch hit with broken arm after Moeen Ali effort

After England star Moeen Ali failed to make contact when attempting a one-handed switch hit in the third and final ODI against South Africa, India's Hanuma Vihari went one better as he nailed a one-handed reverse sweep for four in the Ranji Trophy.

Vihari was batting for Andhara against Madhya Pradesh and fractured his forearm after being struck by a bouncer from Avesh Khan during the first innings. Vihari initially retired hurt, but returned to bat with Andhara 353-9 and took guard as left-hander to protect his injured arm.

The 29-year-old batted with one hand and, in the second innings, reverse swept off spinner Saransh Jain for four. Jain did ultimately get revenge when he bowled Vihari for 15 as Andhara were skittled for 93 in their second innings and lost the match by five wickets.

However, it was a heroic effort from Vihari, who notably batted for three hours with a torn hamstring to help India draw a Test against Australia in Sydney during their famous 2020-21 series win.

India veteran Dinesh Karthik shared a clip of Vihari's shot, joking: "It's a REVERSE SLAP not a reverse sweep No offence to the bowler, but that was quite a shot".

Vihari also shared a clip of his efforts, writing: "Do it for the team. Do it for the bunch. Never give up!! Thank you everyone for your wishes. Means a lot!!"

Moeen, meanwhile, missed the ball after he attempted a similar shot off South Africa's Tabraiz Shamsi. With the left-arm wrist spinner turning the ball into his pads, Moeen went to play a one-handed switch hit that resembled more of a tennis-style forehand.

His attempt occurred during a thrilling cameo of 41 off just 23 balls that helped propel England to a winning total of 346-7 after both Dawid Malan and Jos Buttler struck brilliant centuries.

And Jofra Archer then picked up career-best figures of 6-40 as England bowled South Africa out for 287 to complete a 59-run win and snap an ODI losing streak of five consecutive games.


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