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ToggleTop funny moments in cricket
1. Sachin Tendulkar’s ‘brain fade’ moment in Sydney
In 2008, Sachin Tendulkar was involved in one of the most bizarre moments in cricketing history. During the second Test match against Australia in Sydney, Tendulkar appeared to suffer from a ‘brain fade’ moment when he inexplicably ran out fellow Indian batsman VVS Laxman. The whole incident caused great confusion and bemusement among players and commentators alike, with many still unsure exactly what happened!
2. Shahid Afridi’s ‘leaving the crease’ dismissal
In 2010, Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi found himself on the receiving end of one of the most comical dismissals in cricketing history. Afridi was given out ‘obstructing the field’ after he inadvertently left his crease while attempting to avoid being run out. The umpires had no choice but to give him out, much to the bemusement of everyone involved!
3. Steve Harmison’s ‘wide’ delivery to Brian Lara
In 2004, English fast bowler Steve Harmison endured a nightmare start to the third Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s. On the very first ball of the match, Harmison delivered a gigantic ‘wide’ down the leg side which resulted in him being booed by the crowd. To make matters worse, his next three deliveries were also called as wides, giving him a forgettable start to the match!
4. Muttiah Muralitharan’s ‘doosra’ delivery to Andrew Symonds
In 2006, Sri Lankan spin king Muttiah Muralitharan caused controversy with his unique ‘doosra’ delivery during a Test match against Australia. Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds was given out LBW after he played across the line to a delivery that turned sharply back into him. The decision sparked outrage among the Australian players, who felt that Muralitharan’s action was illegal.
5. Ravi Shastri’s ‘pull your socks up’ comment
In 2001, Indian cricket commentator Ravi Shastri found himself in hot water after he made a rather unusual comment during a Test match against England. After Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed, Shastri quipped that the England players should “pull their socks up” if they wanted to compete with the Indian team. His comments were met with bemusement by many, including former England captain Michael Vaughan!
6. Herschelle Gibbs’ ‘catch it!’ drop
In 1999, South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs produced one of the most infamous drops in cricketing history. During a Test match against Australia, Gibbs dropped an easy catch off the bowling of Steve Waugh when he was on just 41 runs. Had he held onto the catch, he would have dismissed one of Australia’s most dangerous batsmen and helped his team to victory. As it was, Gibbs went on to score a century in the match and South Africa lost by just 3 runs!
7. Merv Hughes’ ‘no ball’ delivery to Ramiz Raja
In 1992, Australian fast bowler Merv Hughes produced one of the most comical no balls in cricketing history. During a Test match against Pakistan, Hughes delivered a huge no ball which sailed over the head of Pakistani batsman Ramiz Raja. The delivery caused great hilarity among players and commentators alike, with many still unsure exactly how Hughes managed to bowl it!
8. Shane Warne’s ‘ball of the century’ delivery to Mike Gatting
In 1993, Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne produced one of the most famous deliveries in cricketing history. During a Test match against England, Warne bowled a superb delivery which spun sharply back into English batsman Mike Gatting and clean bowling him. The ball became known as the ‘ball of the century’ and helped Warne to establish himself as one of the greatest bowlers of all time!
9. Kevin Pietersen’s ‘switch hit’ six
In 2008, England batsman Kevin Pietersen astonished everyone with his unique ‘switch hit’ during a Test match against New Zealand. Facing left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori, Pietersen changed his grip on the bat and played a powerful switch hit over midwicket for six. The shot was hailed as one of the greatest in cricketing history and helped Pietersen to score a century in the match!
10. Brad Haddin’s ‘catch’ off Graeme Swann
In 2009, Australian wicket-keeper Brad Haddin produced one of the most bizarre catches in cricketing history. During a Test match against England, English spinner Graeme Swann attempted to reverse sweep Australian captain Ricky Ponting but only managed to get a thin edge through to Haddin. Instead of catching the ball, Haddin simply knocked it up in the air and then caught it on the second attempt!
These are just some of the funniest moments in cricketing history. From comical no balls to outrageous catches, cricket always manages to entertain!
So there you have it, our top 10 funny moments in cricket. What are your favourite funny cricketing moments? Let us know in the comments section below!
