Perth Scorchers opener Stephen Eskinazi’s lazy running has been labelled “unforgivable” after he was dismissed cheaply in the Big Bash League final on Saturday night.
He departed early for just 21 runs after Brisbane Heat fielder Max Bryant threw a lightning road at the stumps with the Scorchers star short.
As the ball ricochet off partner Cameron Bancroft’s body to backward point, Eskinazi casually jogged to make his ground with what he thought was a straightforward single.
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Not expecting a throw to come to the non-striker’s end, he short-armed his attempt to ground his bat and missed the mark by a few millimetres as the direct hit skittled the stumps.
“A very, very relaxed effort from Eskinazi,” Adam Gilchrist said in commentary for Fox Cricket.
“He must have thought that that throw was going to be to Bancroft’s end.
“He wasn’t reaching out and sliding his bat.
“The desperation or lack of in the run, He didn’t exactly put the burners on to get to that end.
“He was quite lethargic and it’s cost him his wicket and opened the door for the Brisbane Heat.”
As the third umpire reviewed the decision, spectators couldn’t believe their eyes at what they had just witnessed.
“That’s un-Scorcher-like,” Mark Waugh added.
“That’s unforgivable really. That’s just casual.
“You’ve got to assume the ball is coming to your end no matter what the situation is in the game.
“Brilliant by Max Bryant to have a dart at the stumps.
“You’ve got to slide your bat. He won’t want to see that replay again.
“It’d be a sick feeling for Eskinazi.”
It was the first of five wickets to fall for the Scorchers in their run chase against the Heat at Optus Stadium.
Fortunately, Eskinazi’s brain fade didn’t do too much damage as the Scorchers went on to win the extraordinary grand final.
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