Watch: Australia’s fielders got into a muddle attempting a relay catch in their game against South Africa, with Sean Abbott throwing the ball over Mitchell Starc’s head as he tumbled over the boundary.

Australia’s World Cup campaign has not got off to the best start, with India recovering from 2-3 to cruise to a six-wicket win, and South Africa’s opener putting up a century stand.

Finding wickets hard to come by, Australia’s eyes lit up when Temba Bavuma pulled high in the air towards the boundary, with fielders circling. Abbott got to the ball but found his momentum carrying himself outside the playing area.

Instead of trying to through the ball up for himself to regather, he spotted Starc running in to assist. Abbott threw the ball in his direction, but too far, clearing Starc, with the ball falling safe.

“The tag team didn’t quite work,” assessed Pommie Mbangwa on commentary. “Not accurate enough. He’d done all the work, Abbott, but the last little bit means that Bavuma survives and it’s another chance gone.”

The missed opportunity didn’t cost Australia much, with Bavuma adding another four runs before falling for 35.

Watch the relay catch gone wrong below:

 

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