New Zealand fought their way back to restrict Australia to 258 for 7 after a century run-partnership for the first wicket in the first Chappell-Hadlee Trophy ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Meanwhile, the games are taking place behind the closed-doors amid the growing rise of pandemic coronavirus. The empty stands left David Warner clueless when he reached his half-century and forget to celebrate.

“No music, no replays and no fans; it’s quite bizarre,” is how Trent Boult described the atmosphere as the players took the field in front of empty stands because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It became a necessity when Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson reported a mild sore throat and was sent to isolation after tested for coronavirus.

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Aaron Finch won the toss and decided to bat on what seemed a good batting track. He added 124 with David Warner for the opening wicket in 24 overs as the hosts seemed set to breach the 300-run mark. The duo played some glorious looking shots before the southpaw reached his half-century.

The incident took place in the 19th over of the match when David Warner took a single off Ish Sodhi to reach his landmark. However, he is not aware of the same as the Sydney Cricket Ground crowds were not present to tell him which loud cheering.

The cameras then focused towards the Australian dressing room where the players were in split and started clapping before David Warner realised what happened. Soon after he acknowledged the dressing room and Aaron Finch also came from the non-striker’s end to congratulate him.

Watch the video here:

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Meanwhile, New Zealand launched a superb fightback with the spin duo Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner leading the pack. Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey failed to get going but Marnus Labuschagne struck a 46-ball half-century to ensure the hosts finished with a late flourish and post 258 runs on the board.