5 instances of animals disrupting a cricket match

It is quite common to have disruptions during a cricket match. While on certain occasions, on-field elements tend to be the reason for them, there are also times when they are related to things outside the field.We have often witnessed brief stoppages during games possibly due to a plane flying by or beach balls making their way to the pitch or even a fan invasion. But the funniest and most heartwarming reason for a match to get disrupted has to be the appearance of animals on the field of play.The most recent T20I encounter between South Africa and Australia saw play being halted for a while as a squirrel ran amok on the ground. The incident occurred just two overs into the South African innings and proved to be an entertaining distraction from the regular cricketing fare.Here are 5 instances of animals causing a cricket match to be disrupted:

#1 Dog distraction during India-New Zealand ODI

Raina uses Grant Elliott as a shield against the stray dog

The first ODI of the 2010 series between India and New Zealand played at Guwahati saw a stray dog holding up play for some time. The Kiwis were more than halfway through their innings, chasing a target of 276, when this hilarious incident took place.

The dog somehow managed to sneak into the ground and started running about before finally hurtling its way to the centre. Play, quite obviously, had to be halted as the security personnel attempted to get it off the field.

India's Suresh Raina added his own touch of humour to the whole story by trying to hide behind New Zealand's Grant Elliott as the canine passed them by. It was one of the many occasions when a dog managed to garner more attention in a cricket match.

#2 Pig named after England cricketers sneaks into the Gabba

A pig was released to the field during an Australia-England match

One of the funniest incidents of an animal invasion affecting a cricket match came during the 1983 World Series. In a match between arch-rivals Australia and England at Brisbane, one of the spectators managed to release a pig inside the ground.

What was hilarious about the whole episode was the fact that the pig had the names 'Botham' and 'Eddie' painted on either side. This was done in obvious reference to English players Ian Botham and Eddie Hemmings, both of whom were known for being slightly plump.

A policeman took the responsibility to clear the pig off the playing area and he managed to complete his task after struggling for a while.

#3 Monkey business stops India-Sri Lanka Test match

Even the umpire was all eyes for this unexpected visitor

The first Test of the 2015 India-Sri Lanka series at Galle witnessed an unexpected pitch invasion by a curious monkey, which ensured that play was held up for some time. The incident occurred while the Sri Lankan innings was in progress on Day 3 of the match.

Minutes before the tea interval, the monkey decided to make his presence felt as he rushed towards the pitch, much to the amusement of players, umpires and fans alike. Apparently, the cricket ground was just a path it was taking to reach another destination as it rapidly strolled off the ground.

This can surely be counted among the craziest instances of a cricket match being disrupted by an animal.

#4 England and New Zealand \'duck\' for cover

This duck became an overnight star in New Zealand (Image Courtesy – Reuters)

We have all seen batsmen getting out for ducks in cricket matches; but what happens when a real duck makes its way to the ground. This is precisely what happened during a Test between England and New Zealand in the year 2013.

A duck of the paradise shelduck species chose to settle on the ground on Day 1 of the first Test and gained a lot of popularity among the fans. In fact, a mock Twitter account was also set up for the cricket-loving duck and found quite a number of followers.

While the duck sat still for most of the match, it kept taking flight each time the ball was played in its direction.

#5 Cat allows the ball to go for six

Woakes is taken aback by the swiftness of this cat

Animals have taken to a cricket field on a number of occasions, but seldom have they interfered with the proceedings of a game. However, one such instance occurred in the ODI series between Pakistan and England played in the UAE late last year.

It was the 2nd ODI of the series and Pakistan were in complete disarray as they made desperate attempts to keep up with the steep required rate. Anwar Ali hit the ball in the air and Chris Woakes rushed to avoid it from going for a six.

However, a cat that had managed to jump into the outfield came in Woakes' way and the ball sailed over the fence. It was a rare occasion of an animal being involved in the action during a cricket match.