Last Updated:November 13, 2024, 11:49 PM IST
There have been instances when multiple-legged/flying creatures forced the match officials to stop the game midway. Let’s have a look at them.
India vs South Africa 3rd T20I was halted due to invasion of flying ants
The India vs South Africa 3rd T20I witnessed a bizarre incident as the players had to leave the field for a brief period of time due to an insect invasion. The South Africans had just begun their chase of 220 at SuperSport Park, Centurion when a swarm of flying ants took over the field, forcing the match officials to stop play. The players vacated the field of play and returned after a 20-minute break once the insects vanished.
It wasn’t the first instance when a game of cricket was obstructed by insects. There have been instances when multiple-legged/flying creatures forced the match officials to stop the game midway. Let’s have a look at them.
Bees
These flying insects have often attacked cricket fields in the past. One such incident occurred during the World Cup 2019 fixture between South Africa and Sri Lanka. The Lankans were struggling at 194/8 in a must-win game when the incident happened, during the 48th over. Everyone present on the field immediately lay down on the ground as they ducked for cover.
Snakes
If not flying insects, then venomous reptiles came onto the field to stop the game of cricket. Back in 2022, when India were playing South Africa at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, a snake made its way around the outfield. According to a PTI report, the snake ‘came out of nowhere from a small pit’ and caught Wayne Parnell’s attention. Snake interruptions are common in Sri Lanka as well. A cobra stopped play during an England tour match in Colombo in 2013.
Flying Ants
Flying ants invading SuperSport Park isn’t a new incident. The semi-final of the 2009 Champions Trophy, between Australia and England, was held up for 12 minutes. The same creatures also interrupted the match between Chard Cricket Club and Sampford at Arundel in 1990.
Pigs
Back in 1982, an Ashes Test in Sydney was interrupted when someone left a hog loose on the outfield. Interestingly, the pig had ‘Botham’ painted on one side and ‘Eddie’ on the other, which was nothing but a sly dig at English players Ian Botham and Eddie Hemmings.
Mouse
A rodent stopped play at Lord’s in 1962 when England were playing Pakistan. Earlier in 1957, a County Championship game between Kent and Hampshire at Canterbury was briefly interrupted when a mouse ran onto the field.
News cricket Pig, Mouse, Snake, Flying Ants: Creatures Who Invaded Cricket Field During International Matches
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