ENG v WI 2020: WATCH – James Anderson forgets social distancing norms in celebration of a wicket
James Anderson forgets social distancing (Image Source: Twitter)

The coronavirus disease stopped all the cricketing actions ever since it was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, after a few months, international cricket has made its return in the form of the England versus West Indies Test series which started on July 8 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

The cricketers are playing in a completely different atmosphere as there are no spectators in the stadiums and lots of restrictions are levied on players, who in normal circumstances tend to celebrate the crucial moments of the game. But it’s not easy for cricketers to suddenly get used to of new rules and regulations, especially regarding the social distancing.

On Day of the Test match, England’s stand-in captain Ben Stokes mistakenly offered to shake hands to West Indies’ skipper Jason Holder after winning the toss.

A similar incident was noticed on Day 3 as well when England fast bowler James Anderson got the wicket of Caribbean middle-order batsman Roston Chase. After taking the wicket, Anderson was seen celebrating the moment by hugging his teammates.

Even a commentator couldn’t resist himself from mentioning the social distancing rule. The Sky Sports commentator said: “Not so much social distancing there. Old habits die hard.”

Anderson dismissed Chase through a good length delivery which nipped back in and struck on the pads of the batsman. The veteran English bowler along with other fielders straightaway shouted for an appeal of LBW, but the on-field umpire wasn’t interested.

Then, England took the review, and the DRS replay showed that the ball was hitting the top of the middle and leg stump. Soon the umpire’s decision was overturned and Chase, who was batting on 47, had to move back to the pavilion. It was a crucial moment for England as it brought the end of an 81-run stand between Chase and wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich for the 6th wicket.

Here’s the video:

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AKSHAT GAUR
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