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Marcus Stoinis’ massive strike nearly hits the roof, leaving Novak Djokovic awestruck as the Melbourne Renegades pull off a stunning dismissal.
Novak Djokovic was stunned by Marcus Stoinis’ dismissal in the Big Bash League game between the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades. (Image: Screengrab)
Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis’ dismissal in the Melbourne Derby had most of the spectators stunned as the ball nearly hit the roof. Nonetheless, the fielder by the boundary ropes managed to take the catch, which left the tennis great, Novak Djokovic, stunned.
The match between the two Melbourne-based franchises in the ongoing Big Bash League for the 2024-25 season had a topsy-turvy first innings, which certainly entertained the Serbian legend as the Melbourne Stars’ skipper looked to tee off. But Tom Rogers’ fuller delivery did not go all the way as Kane Richardson took the catch at the long-on region.
Djokovic was present and was gobsmacked by the dismissal, as the ball had nearly touched the roof of the stadium yet failed to clear the ropes. The tennis legend is in the country for the Australian Open, where he comes into action for the first round of the singles action, where the seventh-seeded Serbian takes on USA’s Nishesh Basavareddy tomorrow.
The Stars struggled with the bat as they were reduced to 75/7 by the 11th over. But a blistering knock by Glenn Maxwell resulted in the side posting a total of 165 in their quota of 20 overs. Maxwell, who came out to bat at six, ended up facing 52 deliveries to score 90. His knock included four boundaries and 10 maximums to keep the Stars in the game.
The Stars are in dire need of a win to break away from being at the bottom of the table. In the eight games played, the Stars have only won three, but their inferior net run rate puts them in last position amongst the eight franchises.
The good thing for the side is that despite the poor start to the season, they have found their winning form as they went on to win their previous three fixtures against the Brisbane Heat, the Melbourne Renegades, and the Sydney Sixers, respectively. They will hope to keep the winning momentum going for the remaining games in hopes of qualifying.
For the ongoing game against the Renegades, the bowling unit led by Peter Siddle would be expected to get some early wickets to put pressure on the opponents should they go all the way to pick up a fourth consecutive win.
