Trent Rockets’ decision to bat first backfired as they lost opener Adam Lyth on the fourth delivery. However, Alex Hales and Tom Banton forged a strong partnership of 82 runs, propelling the score to 72/1 in just 49 balls.
Although Banton was dismissed shortly after, Hales continued his impressive form, reaching a half-century off 30 balls. His momentum was briefly halted when Nathan Ellis delivered a dangerous beamer, causing significant discomfort for the English opener and pausing the game.
On the 82nd delivery, the Australian pacer bowled a full-toss aimed at Hales’ body. Hales missed the shot while trying to hit the ball over the on-side, and the delivery struck his rib cage.
In visible pain, Hales dropped his bat and jumped from the impact. The physio rushed onto the field to attend to him, while Ellis went over to check on Hales, who was ready to continue after a brief break.
— Gill Bill (@bill_gill76078) August 7, 2024
The umpire called it a no-ball, and Ellis had to bowl again. The incident quickly became a hot topic on social media, with the Twitterverse expressing their reactions.
