5 of the most embarrassing things in cricket

All the competitiveness and desire to win at any cost that has always been a part and parcel of cricket makes it a serious sport just like any other. However, at times, the camaraderie between players from the opposing teams tends to lighten the proceedings and gives everyone some much-needed breathing space.

On certain occasions, occurrences involving cricketers on the field can also turn out to be amusing for fellow players as well as the crowd. But it causes nothing but sheer embarrassment for the one who is responsible for the actions.

Here are 5 of the most embarrassing things that a player can go through on a cricket field:

#5 Getting out hit-wicket

Yuvraj Singh was dismissed hit wicket in a match during the 2016 IPL season (Image Credit: News18)

Perhaps the most suicidal form of being dismissed in cricket is getting out hit-wicket. This happens when the batsman’s bat or any part of his body crashes against the stumps and dislodges the bails while he is trying to negotiate a ball delivered to him.

The reason why this mode of dismissal can be embarrassing for the batsman is because it gives the impression that he got out on purpose. Batsmen who stand very deep inside the crease are the most likely ones to get out in this manner.

Sometimes, it is not even the fault of the man who is dismissed as his back foot may slip due to the moisture on the ground and his boot may smash into the stumps. The history of cricket has also seen instances when the batsman went off balance while dealing with a bouncer and fell on the stumps.

However, getting out hit-wicket is perhaps the last thing that a player can wish for while he is batting.

#4 Fielder nutmeg

The ball going through the legs can make a fielder look silly

A fielder nutmeg is nothing but a situation when a regulation save for the fielder turns out to be a misfield as the ball goes through his legs. While this is something that is generally associated with the weaker fielders in the side, it can often happen to the best of the lot, too.

There are a number of reasons to explain why a fielder nutmeg takes place including slow reaction, taking eyes off the ball or misjudging the pace at which it is coming. Irrespective of the reason, the scenario can not only be embarrassing for the fielder but can also draw the ire of the bowler and the skipper.

Commentators often use the cliche ‘the ball has gone through the London Bridge’ when they are referring to a fielder nutmeg that has taken place.

#3 Running out your skipper

A collision between VVS Laxman and his skipper Sourav Ganguly led to the latter’s run out in this 2004 match

One of the most embarrassing things that a batsman can do in a cricket match is to make an important contribution to his own skipper’s dismissal by running him out. While it is something that the opposition team may love him for doing, he may have some serious trouble awaiting him when he returns to the dressing room.

Sometimes, a poor call from the batsman may be responsible for the situation whereas occasionally, a mid-pitch collision may cause the captain to head back to the pavilion. Although the consequences may not be as bad if the ‘culprit’ goes on to make a useful contribution, a failure to do so may expose him to the wrath of his skipper.

So it is always best to avoid such a scenario from arising or sacrificing your own wicket if possible even if it does occur.

#2 Dropping a sitter

Dropping an easy catch is the worst thing a fielder can possibly do

Among the most embarrassing moments that can occur during a cricket match is the sight of a fielder dropping the simplest of catches. In that very moment, it seems like the whole world has come to a standstill and all eyes are on the person who has committed this blunder.

The bowler throws up his arms in disgust whereas the skipper sends down a cold glare before ordering the fielder to move to another position. More often than not, the reaction of the guilty party is to ponder for a while over what just happened or blame the elements for his disastrous effort.

Only if the batsman whose catch had been dropped gets out early, the fielder can breathe a sigh of relief. However, if he bats on and adds more runs to his tally, the embarrassment increases more and more for the one who spilt the catch.

#1 Getting hit in the groin

Getting hit by the ball in the groin area is

If there is an ultimate embarrassment in cricket for the batsman, it has to be the experience of being struck by the ball in the groin area. Even the toughest of batsmen find it impossible to take this hit with a straight face and do need at least a couple of minutes to recover.

Misjudging the length of the ball is one of the possible reasons for this to happen. At times, when attempting to turn a good length ball towards the leg side, the batsmen end up being too early and miss it completely thereby getting hit in an unwanted area.

While some batsmen go down just like Faf du Plessis in the above image, others prefer to jog around for a while to bring things under complete control. Although the cricket ball crashing into a player’s family jewels does not warrant a departure from the field of play, it can certainly unsettle him for some time.