Bouncer remains as one of the best deliveries for a fast bowler, but how many times have we seen a spinner bowl? During Day 4 of the on-going fourth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, England skipper Joe Root, bowling the right arm of the break, surprised Australian batter Usman Khawaja with a bounce on the last ball of the session. Mostly a part-time bowling option, Root has rolled his arms over his head far too many times in the ongoing five-match Ashes series.
With England in dire need of a wicket, the 30-year-old tried to do something unusual on the last ball before tea on Day 4.
However, Khawaja ducked in time when England’s makeshift wicketkeeper Ollie Pope was nearly caught off guard by the delivery.
However, he easily managed to collect the ball.
On a funnier note, Khawaja even gestured ‘one bouncer for the over’ as he and the English skipper smiled before heading to their respective changing rooms for tea break.
Here’s the video:
Joe Root in the long run! #Ash pic.twitter.com/K3Vpics1ZE
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 8, 2022
Khawaja remained unbeaten on 101, his second century of the game, as Australia declared their second innings at 265 for 6, giving England a goal for 388 runs.
The hosts were in trouble after being reduced to 86 for 4. However, Khawaja and young all-rounder Cameron Green added 179 runs for the fifth wicket.
At Stumps, England were 30 for no loss, needing 358 runs to win the Sydney Test.
promoted
The visitors play for pride in the ongoing Test, as Australia has already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the run of five games.
The fifth and final Test will be played from January 14 at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart and will be a day/night affair.
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