Cricket is the game of glorious uncertainties, but when it comes to the spirit of cricket it becomes a different narrative to be talked about a lot, in a similar fashion New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner, who is enjoying his stint with English County side Essex, has withdrawn an appeal for a run-out attempt after flooring the Middlesex batsman John Simpson at the non-striker’s end during the 2017 English County Championship game at iconic stadium Lord’s.
The Pretoria-born left-arm fast bowler Wagner was praised for showing his best spirit out in the middle while allowing Simpson to continue his innings as both the players were seen patting each other after the collision.
The incident took place when Wagner tried to stop the ball on his own bowling before his Essex teammate whipped off the bails at the striker’s end following Stevie Eskinazi scampered for a single to see both the batsmen wandering at the bowling end.
After Essex opted to field first at Lord’s on Friday (April 21), Middlesex scored 507 for 7 in their first innings and declared before Essex were bundled out for 295.
In the second innings, Middlesex declared on 293 for three. Essex scored 19 for no loss in six overs at the stumps on day three as they require another 432 runs to win on the final day after Middlesex set the daunting target of 452 runs.
The left-handed opening batsman and former England skipper Alastair Cook is batting on 2 off 10 balls and his partner Nick Browne is batting on 17 off 26 balls which included four boundaries.
While playing as an overseas player, Wagner went wicket-less in both the innings after sending down 37 overs in which he bowled five maidens before conceding 136 runs.
Wagner has so far picked 11 wickets this English County season with the best figures of six for 48 against Somerset on April 14 in Taunton.
Wagner, who had been the part of Lancashire, has played 32 Tests for New Zealand in which he has claimed 130 wickets at an average of 28.90.
Earlier, Wagner signed a contract with Essex for 2017 English County Championship and it is followed by One-day Cup.
Here is the 35-second video:
SPIRIT OF CRICKET:
Wonderful sportsmanship as @JohnSimpson_88 is floored by Wagner, @seskinazi is stranded & @EssexCricket withdraw appeal?? pic.twitter.com/p23A9dlLJS— Middlesex Cricket are staying at home ? (@Middlesex_CCC) April 22, 2017
