Watch: Andre Russell survives a close call against Tanveer Sangha

Melbourne Stars all-rounder Andre Russell and Sydney Thunder's bowler Tanveer Sangha were left smiling at each other after the former survived a close call off the bowling of Sangha. The incident occurred during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) in the 10th match between Thunder and Stars.

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Sangha had brought Stars back in the game by dismissing Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis of consecutive deliveries. He almost got his third wicket when he bowled Andre Russell, who lined up to play a slog but could only get an inside edge onto the stumps. However, much to the frustration of the spinner, the bails didn't fall as Russell survived a close call.

That was a ROLLERCOASTER of an over for DreRuss #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/kobkADByEG

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 12, 2021

The West Indian all-rounder later admitted it was a significant contact and he was lucky to survive. "The ball hit the stump like hard... happy to still be batting and have a laugh about it," Russell said.

It was indeed a lucky escape for the talismanic all-rounder and a crucial moment in the match. Russell at that stage was on 34 and Stars still needed 27 runs to get over the line. Russell went on to score 42 runs off just 21 balls and led Stars to victory.

He came in at a crucial stage when the Stars lost their skipper Maxwell with a score reading 83. Russell managed to consolidate the situation and hit regular boundaries. He finished the run-chase of 152 with three overs to spare. He was also named the Player of the Match.

Post the match, Russell lavished praise on Tanveer Sangha. "I commended him and I said 'listen, you have a big heart and I like spinners that are not afraid to bowl to big hitters'," he said. "He was doing really really well. He was bowling into my body and mixing his pace.

"He's not afraid to bowl in the power surge over to me...he did well, so hats off to him. He just has a bright future. He has a long way to go and if he can be doing this, now, he's just improvement to come, said Russell"