India vs Australia: Fans Surprised as Richardson Gets Bat Grip & Shoe Laces as Player of the Match Award

Cricketnext Staff | Updated: January 12, 2019, 4:47 PM IST

Jhye Richardson’s spell of 4-26 was instrumental in Australia’s 34-run win over India in the first ODI of the series on Saturday and the young pacer was named Player of the Match afterwards.

However, while players who win that award are usually handed some form of cash reward, Richardson’s prize left quite a lot to be desired.

Exciting quick Jhye Richardson is the @GilletteAU Player of the Match with his 4-26 from 10 overs! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/EtQ3heBrsA
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 12, 2019

In a nice gesture, the prize money meant to be handed out to the player was donated to charity but the alternative award handed to Richardson – a bat grip and some shoe laces – had many fans confused.

Wow Jhye Richardson just won a bat grip and some shoelaces for being man of the match... Aus Cricket must have reeeeally run out of sponsors #AUSvIND #U12s?
— Steven Fitzgerald (@SFitzyyy) January 12, 2019

Player of the match Jhye Richardson gets presented with a bat grip and some shoelaces for his efforts. Knock yourself out @cricketcomau! #AUSvIND @FoxCricket
— Andy Mac (@andream75) January 12, 2019

Interesting to see 'a bat grip and shoe laces' being given to the Man of the Match as a prize in an international match.

This is ridiculous!#AUSvIND #INDvAUS #Richardson #MoM
— Parag Bhandiye (@im_parag21) January 12, 2019

Nice touch to donate the cash prize to charity but what’s with the remainder of the prize, bat grip and shoe laces?
— Antonio Carbone (@tonkydreamer) January 12, 2019

Jhye Richardson just got a bat grip and some shoe laces for winning MOTM in the #AUSVIND ODI What, they can't even give him a bottle of champagne or something? Worst prize ever
— Sami Dowd (@samidowd) January 12, 2019