Haris Rauf came out to bat without pads to avoid getting timed-out in the final over of the innings in a Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 game between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder.
Rauf was not prepared as he was not expecting Stars to lose 3 wickets in 3 balls in the last over bowled by Daniel Sams.
Beau Webster and Usama Mir were dismissed off the third and fourth deliveries by Sams before Mark Steketee was run out on the fifth ball.
Rauf was stunned and decided to go without pads as he had to take position at the non-striker’s end with Mark Steketee set to face the ball.
He also lost his wicket, taking the tally to four scalps in just 4 balls.
Commentators Brad Haddin, Brett Lee and Mel Jones couldn’t believe when they saw Rauf without pads. “Look at him. He has no gloves, helmet and pads on,” Haddin said on Fox Cricket.
“If the next ball is called wide and the batter takes a single. I hope he is wearing a box.. This is circus,” Brett Lee said.
“Haris Rauf has been caught short. He is smiling at the moment but won’t be if they take a single on a no or wide ball,” Jones said.
Stars were dismissed for 172 after winning the toss and deciding to bat first. Sydney Thunder won the game by 5 wickets.