Introduction
Cricket is full of unexpected moments, and one such incident occurred during the third Test between England and Sri Lanka ODI. England’s pacer Chris Woakes, known for his fast bowling, had to switch to spin due to bad light. This unusual event not only entertained fans but also left Joe Root, his teammate, in stitches. In this article, we take a closer look at how this situation unfolded and its impact on the game.
Why Did Chris Woakes Bowl Spin?
Chris Woakes, one of England’s premier pacers, had no intention of bowling spin when he started his over. However, dark clouds rolled over the stadium, affecting the light conditions. Umpires informed England’s captain, Ben Stokes, that pace bowling could no longer continue due to poor visibility. As Woakes had already bowled two deliveries, he had to finish his over. To comply with the umpires’ instructions, Woakes switched to spin.
This was a rare sight, as Woakes is not known for spin bowling. His improvised spin deliveries added a light-hearted moment to the otherwise tense game. The crowd loved it, and so did his teammates, particularly Joe Root.
Joe Root’s Amusement
As Woakes began his makeshift spin bowling, one person who couldn’t keep calm was Joe Root. Root, who himself bowls part-time spin, found the situation amusing. He was seen laughing from the sidelines, clearly enjoying the unexpected turn of events. Root’s reaction quickly became a viral moment on social media, as fans loved the unexpected comedy on the field.
The contrast of seeing a specialist pacer like Woakes turning to spin left everyone surprised, and Root’s laughter added to the entertainment value of the match.
The Impact on the Match
Though this moment was humorous, the match itself was still very much in the balance. England had put up a solid first-innings total of 325, with Ollie Pope leading the way with a brilliant 154 runs. As Sri Lanka began their innings, they faced trouble early on, collapsing to 93-5 before tea on Day 2.
However, Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, and middle-order batsman Kamindu Mendis came to their team’s rescue. The two formed a vital partnership, frustrating the England bowlers. Together, they put up an unbeaten stand of 118 runs, guiding Sri Lanka to 211-5 by the time bad light forced an early close on the day’s play.
Sri Lanka’s Fightback
At 93-5, Sri Lanka ODI appeared to be heading for another poor showing in the series. However, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis displayed remarkable grit and determination. De Silva, batting at number six, reached 64 not out, while Mendis, batting at number seven, scored an unbeaten 54.
Their partnership was crucial for Sri Lanka, especially with England leading the series 2-0. With their backs against the wall, Sri Lanka needed to show some fight, and this pair delivered. By the end of Day 2, Sri Lanka was still 114 runs behind England’s total, but they had recovered well from their early collapse.
England’s Dominance in the Series
Despite Sri Lanka’s spirited fightback, England remained in control of the series. With a 2-0 lead going into the third Test, England had already secured the series win. The team’s performance throughout the series had been exceptional, with both the batting and bowling departments firing consistently.
Ollie Pope, leading the team as captain, continued to impress with his leadership and batting. His 154 in the first innings of the third Test was not only his first century as captain but also a statement of his ability to handle pressure. England’s bowlers, including Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson, had also been instrumental in keeping Sri Lanka under pressure.
What’s Next for Sri Lanka?
With Sri Lanka ODI trailing 2-0 in the three-match series, the third Test was their last chance to salvage some pride. De Silva and Mendis’s partnership gave them hope, but they needed more contributions from the rest of the batting lineup to put England under real pressure.
The collapse of Sri Lanka’s top order continued to be a concern. If they hoped to draw the final Test, their bowlers would need to step up in the second innings, and the rest of the batsmen would need to support De Silva and Mendis.
Conclusion
Chris Woakes bowling spin during the third Test against Sri Lanka was an unexpected and entertaining moment in the match. Forced by bad light, Woakes adapted to the situation and delivered spin, much to the amusement of Joe Root and fans around the world.
Though this incident added a humorous twist to the game, the Test match itself remained competitive. Sri Lanka, trailing 2-0 in the series, found themselves on the back foot once again but fought back with a strong partnership between Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis.
As cricket often proves, the game is full of surprises. Whether it’s a fast bowler turning to spin or an underperforming team mounting a comeback, cricket continues to captivate its fans. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
