'No-Handshake Zone': Aus-NZ players applaud instead of customary handshakes post the match

As Australia beat New Zealand in first ODI of three-match series, players refrained from customary handshakes after match and resorted to applauding in order to appreciate opponents. This comes amid vel Coronavirus breakout which is said to spre if contacted with an infected person. hosts mand a comprehensive 71-run win over Blackcaps at Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. 

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Owing to significant contributions from skipper Aaron Finch, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, Australia put up a target of 259 for New Zealand to chase. Despite intent shown by visitors, in beginning, New Zealand failed to get going in match as y kept losing wickets in quick intervals. Mitchel Marsh, who was judged as Man of Match, picked 3 wickets off his 7 overs giving away just 29 runs. Pat Cummins also bagged 3 wickets while Hazlewood and am Zampa scalped two wickets each. Martin Guptill top-scored for New Zealand with his innings of 40 runs. 

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match also witnessed Australia's Kane Richardson testing for Coronavirus. After showing early symptoms of being infected with virus, player was soon quarantine and tested. However, he tested negative and soon returned to team. match was also played behind closed doors to avoid mass garings and to contain virus from spreing. 

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Coronavirus impacts cricket

Apart from ongoing ‘Aus vs NZ’ series, worldwide panic caused by Coronavirus has alrey impacted many sporting events around globe. In cricket, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also recently anunced series between India and South Africa to be played in empty stiums. Moreover, much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) season has been postponed with a launch date of April 15 inste of earlier planned March 29. On Friday, England Cricket Board (ECB) also postponed England's tour of Sri Lanka amid virus scare. BCCI has also issued an visory stating that it will follow all government guidelines irrespective of what franchise owners opine.

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