SL vs ENG: Joe Root collides with bowler and gets run out off Dickwella’s direct hit – WATCH

The Sri Lanka vs England first Test has seen plenty of drama in the first three days and it continued on day four as England skipper Joe Root was run-out in the most bizarre manner. The right-hand batsman set off for a run but collided with the bowler and as a result, was run-out. His wicket was a huge blow to the visitors as they had already lost two wickets while chasing 74 runs in the second innings.

Watch: Root collides with bowler and gets run out

On the last delivery of the sixth over of England’s second innings, Jonny Bairstow pushed the ball in the covers and set off for a run. It was always going to be a tight call as the ball didn’t go beyond the square and wicket-keeper N Dickwella was extremely alert.

To make matters worse, Joe Root who was at the non-striker’s end, collided with the bowler. This collision decreased Root’s speed and also forced him to take a longer route. Dickwella picked the ball and made a direct hit very quickly.  There was no way Root could have made his ground and he was run-out.

You can watch Joe Root’s run-out after colliding with the bowler here:

ROOT RUN OUT! ☝

Disaster for England as Root is run out after colliding with the bowler! Sri Lanka in dreamland!

14-3. #SLvENG??????????

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— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) January 17, 2021

England need 36 more runs to win the Test  

A resolute batting performance from Sri Lanka in the second innings pumped life back in the 1st Test. Then England’s spinners stormed in the match to ensure Sri Lanka doesn’t end up setting up a big target for the visitors.

Chasing 74 runs to win on a difficult pitch, England lost Dom Sibley in the first over and then Zak Crawley departed in the 5th over. With 2 down for 12, Root had the responsibility to steer the ship. But his bizarre run-out made matters worse.

Jonny Bairstow and Daw Lawrence batted with a calm head and pushed the score to 38 runs and ended the day without further damage. England need36 more runs on day five to win the first Test.