Coronavirus outbreak: No handshakes in Australia-New Zealand ODI; players celebrate touching elbows, fists

Sydney: There were no handshakes between Australia and New Zealand as they played out in front of an empty stadium on Friday (March 13). In the first ODI of the three-match series, Australia won by 71 runs. Also, players celebrated wickets by touching each others’ fists and elbows due to the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19). Here are photos from the match.

Captains Aaron Finch (Australia) and Kane Williamson (New Zealand) greet each other by touching elbows and fists

Captains Aaron Finch (Australia) and Kane Williamson (New Zealand) greet each other by touching elbows and fists

Elbows are stretched to celebrate as Australian players have another Kiwi wicket in Sydney

Elbows are stretched to celebrate as Australian players have another Kiwi wicket in Sydney

Pat Cummins of Australia touches fists with Mitchell Marsh to celebrate taking the wicket of Jimmy Neesham of New Zealand

Pat Cummins of Australia touches fists with Mitchell Marsh to celebrate taking the wicket of Jimmy Neesham of New Zealand

Australian paceman Josh Hazlewood celebrates a New Zealand wicket by extending his elbow towards his teammates during the first ODI in Sydney on Friday (March 13)

Australian paceman Josh Hazlewood celebrates a New Zealand wicket by extending his elbow towards his teammates during the first ODI in Sydney on Friday (March 13)

Despite the coronavirus threat, Marnus Labuschagne and Adam Zampa used the traditional high fives to celebrate a wicket

Despite the coronavirus threat, Marnus Labuschagne and Adam Zampa used the traditional high fives to celebrate a wicket

Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins get ready to celebrate

Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins get ready to celebrate

Pat Cummins extends both his elbows

Pat Cummins extends both his elbows

Pacemen Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc in celebration mode

Pacemen Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc in celebration mode

Mitchell Starc and teammates with elbow celebrations

Mitchell Starc and teammates with elbow celebrations

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was without any spectator for the match. Fans were barred entry due to coronavirus

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was without any spectator for the match. Fans were barred entry due to coronavirus

Trent Boult of New Zealand and Australia's Alex Carey touch fists after the match

Trent Boult of New Zealand and Australia's Alex Carey touch fists after the match

No handshakes between Australia and New Zealand players after the end of their ODI in Sydney

No handshakes between Australia and New Zealand players after the end of their ODI in Sydney