In cricket, we have had sandstorm stop matches. We have even had bees cause havoc. However, an interesting incident happened during the opening day of the second Test between India and England at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vizag. A dog stormed onto the field out of nowhere and sent everyone into a tizzy shortly before the scheduled tea break.
Unlike the other occasions, this canine did not seem to show any interest in leaving the arena which meant that tea had to be called earlier than planned. Needless to say, the hilarious episode evoked a myriad of reactions from both sets of players even as the crowd continued to cheer wildly.
Due to the dog’s enthusiasm to witness the action from close quarters, Cheteshwar Pujara did not have any other choice but to enter into tea while stranded on 97. Even though the ground staff tried their best to take the canine out of the field, the dog was too quick and clever to catch up with. Thankfully, common sense prevailed as the umpires decided not to use any more time and signaled that the remaining four deliveries in the final over before tea could be bowled in the subsequent session.
The bowler Stuart Broad played his part in attempting to cajole the unexpected intruder into leaving the turf. Using his rather lengthy frame, he opted to intimidate the poor animal. When it did not work, the pacer seemed to even gently request the dog to make away for cricket to resume. The fielders watched the proceedings in amusement even as skipper Alastair Cook veered away from his phlegmatic nature by giving a sheepish smile.
Catch the highlights of the now famous Vizag dog taking center stage here.
As if to suggest a cherry on top of the cake, the dog even appeared to relieve itself on the field. Needless to say, the commentary box were thoroughly entertained by the unique experience. While Mike Atherton claimed that the animal was quicker than Pujara between the 22 yards, Ravi Shastri joined in on the fun by alluding to Virat Kohli’s indecisive running between the wickets which threatened to create a few opportunities for the visitors.
In a heartwarming news, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan confirmed that the dog was safely evacuated from the field without any mishaps to it. Meanwhile, reports have been coming in indicating that it was the same canine which had been involved in a similar incident during an IPL game between Rising Pune Supergiants and Delhi Daredevils at Vizag earlier this year.
The dog has managed to enthrall the new age audience who even instantaneously created a Twitter account in its name. Cricket aficionados from across the world have expressed their thoughts on the sport gaining a new supporter.
One user saw it as a morale booster:
Some took it as a signal from up above proving the sanctity of Test cricket:
Another attributed the episode to the vagaries of the month:
Perhaps, we need more of the same:
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