Sometimes, a valiant effort can come to nothing, and a small misstep can change the outcome. Such was the case on the second day of the Test match between Pakistan and England when Chris Woakes made an impressive attempt at a boundary catch turned futile, only for it to turn into a six.
Pakistan showcased an impressive batting performance, accumulating over 400 runs by Day 2, with contributions from Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood’s half-centuries on Day 1. Saud Shakeel’s gritty 74 off 160 deliveries anchored the innings on Day 2, taking Pakistan to 419/6 in 116 overs. Shakeel, along with Salman Agha built a 44-run partnership, but Agha had a narrow escape thanks to Chris Woakes’ valiant fielding effort which ultimately counted for nothing as it was ruled a six.
On the third ball of the 117th over, Jack Leach bowled a tossed-up delivery outside off-stump, which Agha stepped down to drive towards long-off. Though he aimed for a six, he mistimed the shot, sending the ball high but without enough distance. Positioned at long-off, Woakes backtracked and initially pulled off a stunning catch, flicking the ball back into play and maintaining his balance. However, the TV umpire decided to review the effort.
Upon further inspection, it was revealed that as Woakes completed the catch, his right boot briefly touched the boundary cushion before he threw the ball back into the field. This led to the third umpire ruling it a six. The on-field umpire, Kumar Dharmasena, signalled the six, leaving the English team disappointed and Woakes’ brilliant effort unrecognized, sparking a frenzy on social media.
Incredible
Close but
Close but no cigar as Chris Woakes pulls off a fantastic effort on the ropes.#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/sizcV6AZI2
— 🏏Flashscore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) October 8, 2024
Wow Chris Woakes to pulling off this Incredible catch…😲🥱#ENGvsPAK #PAKvsENG pic.twitter.com/JtpELiGr6Q
— ARPIT™ (@ImArpit_18) October 8, 2024
Baffled
I’m baffled. On the technicalities of the Woakes catch, the tv commentators are saying the laws could ban catches like that. Why? Who doesn’t want to see skill like that? Celebrate things like that, don’t stifle it
— Andrew McKenna (@talkMacca) October 8, 2024
LOL
Bazid reminding English commentators about Saud catch 2 years ago while they are talking about Woakes catch 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Taimoor Zaman (@taimoor_ze) October 8, 2024
Yar ye Saud aur woakes kya kar rhe hain 😭😭
— H A S S A N 🇵🇸 🇮🇷 (@Not_That_Hassan) October 8, 2024
Controversial
Pak 432-6
Over 118
Controversy on the field as Woakes’ catch is reviewed by the third umpire. Was his foot over the line? The tension mounts as the decision hangs in the balance. This one is definitely six. Great effort by Woakes’s. #CricketUpdates #PAKvsENG pic.twitter.com/Uv6pq9pRlu— Muhammad Hanzalah (@Mu00095hanzalah) October 8, 2024
Great try
Great try by Chris Woakes but this is a six & right decision was made. pic.twitter.com/bUIbbJbo1f
— Vipul Ghatol 🇮🇳 (@Vipul_Espeaks) October 8, 2024
England fans are dejected after Chris Woakes’ near catch of Agha Salman. So close to a stunning dismissal!#PAKvENG #TestCricket #Multan #CricketTwitter #TestAtHome #Cricket #PCB #EnglandCricket #BarmyArmy #bazball #SalmanAliAgha #ChrisWoakes pic.twitter.com/YZCoFRDPS8
— lightningspeed (@lightningspeedk) October 8, 2024
Superb
