VIDEO | Jos Buttler inflicts inch-perfect run-out through Steve Smith's legs to hand England complete control
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They say special moments are required to bring an end to a 'special innings', and Jos Buttler came up with that moment of magic to get rid of Steve Smith, who was dismissed at 85. The wicket-keeper inflicted a direct hit through Smith's legs, catching him off-guard, and sending him back to the hut.
After Martin Guptill's pinpoint throw sent MS Dhoni packing and India crashing out of the World Cup in the first semi-final, England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler produced a moment of magic in the second semi-final to get rid of a dangerous Steve Smith, who was batting on 85.Ā
On the first ball of the 47th over, as Smith tried to pull Chris Woakes towards fine leg, the ball hit his abdomen and rolled towards Buttler. Despite initially being hesitant about taking a single, Smith eventually decided to risk a run as his partner Mitchell Starc came steaming in towards the striker's end, which was supposed to be the danger end.Ā
But realizing that Smith was slow to take off, Buttler showed quick hands and great presence of mind as he took his gloves off in a flash and had a shy at the stumps towards the non-strikers' end - the end where Smith was trying to make his ground. But to Buttler's rejoice and Smith's agony, the ball went through Smith's legs, nutmegging him before crashing on to the stumps.Ā
Buttler's ridiculously accurate throw found Smith inches short of the crease, thus sending the Australian packing. Smith could barely believe his luck, and made the long walk back in disbelief. Only time will tell if Buttler's stupendous effort propels England to victory, just as Guptill's effort put New Zealand into the final.Ā Ā
