Australia struck early blows in the opening T20I against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Wednesday. Opting to bowl first, the visitors made full use of the helpful conditions as Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis dismantled the Kiwi top order, leaving the hosts reeling at 6 for 3 within just two overs.
Hazlewood set the tone straight away by removing Tim Seifert with only the second ball of the match. Dwarshuis then doubled the pressure, claiming two wickets in two deliveries to put Australia firmly on top. With the ball seaming around, skipper Mitchell Marsh wasted no time in turning to Marcus Stoinis in the fifth over to continue the momentum.
The blustery and chilly conditions meant several players, including Stoinis, chose to wear extra clothing to keep warm. Before beginning his spell, the all-rounder stopped by the umpire to hand over his outer jersey and prepare for his run-up. That’s when an unexpected mix-up unfolded.
Classic 🤣🤣
— Kayo Sports (@kayosports) October 1, 2025
Marcus Stoinis was about to start bowling without his shirt… 😅 #Cricket #NZvAUS #KayoSports #Funny pic.twitter.com/1AClvVU0qj
As Stoinis began his walk back to his bowling mark, he suddenly realized something was amiss. The umpire, too, noticed the situation, and both the players on the field and the crowd burst into laughter. With a sheepish grin, Stoinis turned around and made his way back to the official.
In his eagerness, the Australian had mistakenly handed over both his layers of clothing, leaving himself in just his inners. The amused umpire promptly returned one jersey, which Stoinis hurriedly put back on before getting down to business. The comical moment quickly went viral, with fans on Twitter enjoying the lighter side of an otherwise intense contest.