New Delhi: Gone are the days when a team used to win a cricket match or went for a short lunch or tea break during the Test games, the fans casually walked into the grounds to either take a stroll or run after the players to congratulate them. Players’ safety wasn’t much of an issue back then as the grounds had no fencing near the boundary ropes. Although there are still some cricket grounds without any fencing, rules have gotten strict.
The fans aren’t allowed into the ground concerning the safety of the players and the pitch itself which might get damaged if the fans congregate on it. It can be said that the cricket fanatics back then used to be disciplined as they let the whole get complete and then only enter the ground but similar can’t be the case in the current scenario, specially in a nation like India where players are literally worshipped as gods.
Nonetheless, some unusual scenes were on display at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch as the cricket ground’s management surprisingly allowed the spectators of the New Zealand vs England first Test into the field on Day 1 (Thursday) during the Lunch break. When the players walked in to have their meals, the ground was made open to the fans by the ground staff as they flocked onto it and visibly had a great time.
It was indeed a sweet gesture from Hagley Oval, allowing the fans on the ground in the current scenario. England Cricket shared a video on their social media handles in which the fans could be seen clicking pictures on the ground while some engaged in a personal game of cricket. However, the pitch region was protected as fans weren’t allowed to cross its barrier, which they kindly adhered to.
Here’s the video –
A lovely touch from the Hagley Oval allowing fans onto the pitch during the lunch break ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LEhlEEsSIK
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 28, 2024
Williamson going strong
England opted to bowl first in the three-match series opener and did get an early success as Gus Atkinson caught and bowled Devon Conway on 2(8) in the second over itself. But the resilient Kiwi batters stood their ground as skipper Tom Latham made 47 while Rachin Ravindra scored 34. Daryl Mitchell contributed with 19. The third session of the day is already underway and a returning Kane Williamson is going strong against the English bowlers, having scored his 36th Test fifty. NZ were 193/3 after 51 overs at Tea.
Unusual scenes unfolded at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval as the ground staff allowed spectators of the NZ vs ENG 1st Test into the ground during the Lunch break. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
