England captain Joe Root is not enjoying the best of times in the Big Bash League. After creating a lot of ripples before making his BBL debut, Root’s journey has not gone according to plan. He failed to make an impact against Melbourne Stars (out for 18) and on Monday Root was bowled for 9 off 8 balls against in the derby match against Sydney Sixers.
What’s worse, the Sydney Thunder overseas cricketer, was responsible for running out partner Callum Fergusson, when Thunders were eyeing a big score.
Thankfully for Root, his bad luck has not rubbed off on the team. Thunders managed to register a comfortable 21-run win over Sixers, mainly because of Root’s teammate Jos Buttler, who played a blinder at the start of the innings, scoring 63 off 37 balls.
The England captain walked in after Buttler’s dismissal but was far from his best. In the 14th over of the innings, Root was involved in a horrible mix-up with Fergusson. Fergusson missed a wide one from Ben Dwarshuis but did not realize that Root, the non-striker had already come haring the down the wicket in search of a bye. Both batsmen ended up on one end and it was an easy run out there for the taking for Sixers.
Root had started to take the long walk back only to be called back by the umpires as replayed showed that it was Fergusson who was out. The incident sent Root’s concentrate for a toss. An over later, he played all around a straight delivery from left-spinner Steve O’Keefe to squander the great start given by the Thunder openers.
Root’s frustration was visible as the right-hander kicked turf before making way to the dressing room.