New Zealand and Australia are currently playing the first game of the three-match ODI series at SCG in Sydney. In the series opener, one thing that evident was the absence of spectators due to the Coronavirus threats. Even the players looked pretty aware of the threatful disease due to which they were spotted using elbows and fist bumps as a part of their celebration after scalping Aussie wickets.

It is well known that COVID-19 has taken several lives across the globe. Moreover, at the moment there is no proper aid available in order to cure any individual. The effects of the disease have left the life of people quite miserable and the majority of the people have backed out from going into the events as well as in mass gatherings as a precaution.

The flames of COVID-19 has reached the sporting grounds due to which the global sports events have got postponed with immediate effect. Moreover, the cricket councils have taken a strong step as they have decided to carry cricket games behind the closed doors whether it is an international game or any T20 league game.

COVID-19 forces players to use elbows and fist bumps

The three-match ODI series will also be played in the absence of spectators in the ground. The players of both the teams– Australia and New Zealand have been given guidelines to follow as a precaution to protect themselves from Coronavirus. And, the players of both the teams seem to have taken rules quite seriously that was visible in the series opener at the SCG.

Usually, after a bowler takes a wicket, the players cheer out loud and shake hands as a part of the celebration. But in the series opener, Kiwi players snubbed their previous way of celebration and were spotted using their elbows and fist bumps instead of handshakes to show their happiness after getting wickets in the match. At the moment, none of the players wants to get affected by Coronavirus that gets spread by coming in contact with any affected individual.

Coming onto the match, Australia scored 258 runs for a loss of seven wickets in stipulated 50 overs. Marnus Labuschagn, David Warner and Aaron Finch scored brilliant fifties that helped their side in posting a competitive total. On the other hand, Ish Sodhi turned out to be the best bowler for New Zealand, who registered impressive bowling figures of 3/51.

Here is the clip of the wicket celebration:

Elbows and fist bumps as New Zealand get the wicket of Marsh.

Live #AUSvNZ scores: https://t.co/2a6XMXTJcF pic.twitter.com/OrhzuqS9mu

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020