![Joe Root Run Out In Ben Stokes' Last Match [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1782730882987_JoeRootENGNZ.jpg?type=hq)
Joe Root Run Out In Ben Stokes' Last Match [Source: X]
In a crucial chase of the third Test against New Zealand, England’s star batter Joe Root got dismissed in the most embarrassing way possible. He got run out while trying to sneak a run in what turned out to be Ben Stokes’ last international game.
New Zealand had set a target of 373 for England on day 5 of the third and final Test held at Nottingham. The hosts were in a deep mess, losing 5 wickets for just 95 runs.
To save the sinking ship, fans had put faith in Joe Root, but the veteran turned out to be the biggest disappointment.
Joe Root gifts his priceless wicket to New Zealand
After a decent start, Joe Root was expected to bat deep and somehow save the Test for England. However, in the 19th over, New Zealand pacer Nathan Smith bowled a length delivery outside off stump to Jamie Smith.
The English wicketkeeper played a soft-handed shot towards the off side, trying to guide it into the field. The ball went towards the gully region, where New Zealand fielder Henry Nicholls reacted quickly.
Nicholls charged forward, picked up the ball while sliding, and immediately threw it towards the wicketkeeper’s end. The throw was extremely accurate, as he only had one stump to aim at and hit it directly.
Meanwhile, Joe Root was backing up at the non-striker’s end. When Jamie Smith played the shot, Root thought there was a possible run, and he chased for it. But Nicholls’ quick stop and direct hit meant there was no time to return.
Watch the video below:
Joe Root tried to dive and drag his bat over the crease, but his bat reached too late, and the ball hit the stumps before he made his ground. The third umpire confirmed he was short of the crease, meaning Root was run out on 18 off 17 balls.
Henry Nicholls was extremely proud of his fielding effort as he roared in delight to see Root walking back to the pavilion.
Also Read - Watch- Ben Stokes Gets Special Guard Of Honour In His Final International Appearance
England likely to lose Ben Stokes’ farewell game
Having said that, this game is significant as it’s Ben Stokes’ farewell match. The England captain announced his retirement from international cricket midway through the Test.
However, his farewell is unlikely to end on a good note as England still has over 200 runs to chase with just 4 wickets in hand. Stokes, surprisingly, opened the fourth innings and scored 30 off 20 balls before falling to Zakary Foulker.
He walked off for the final time in an England jersey with huge support from the crowd that hailed their Test hero. Interestingly, this is also the series-deciding game. Hence, if England loses, they will drop the 3-game series as well.
Ben Stokes’ retirement comes after off-field drama
Having said that, Ben Stokes announced his international retirement just weeks after he was involved in a nightclub brawl. Stokes and Gus Atkinson reportedly had an altercation with a rugby player after they violated curfew to visit a nightclub.
The ECB took cognisance and dropped the duo from the second Test as disciplinary action. However, after careful consideration, both players were allowed to participate in the third Test at Nottingham.
Yet, Ben Stokes chose not to prolong his career anymore. He abruptly announced his retirement, leaving his teammates, critics and fans in shock.
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