The much-awaited Test series against India is almost a week away, English Test captain Joe Root and wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow came under limelight due to a bizarre reason.
While representing Yorkshire in the County Championship, both the English in-form batters including New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson fell prey to Lancashire seamer Jordan Clark as the bowler took a hat-trick.
This event turned out to be a historic one as it was only the second hat-trick by a Lancashire bowler in a Roses match after 50 years. Back in 1968, Ken Higgs achieved the first one at Headingley.
English Test skipper Joe Root took the filed to get some first-class practice before the opening Test against India on August 1. He started well, smacking five boundaries in his first 18 balls. However, he was given LBW in the 19th over and became Jordan Clark’s first victim.
Kiwi captain Kane Williamson was next who was caught on the crease and also leg before. Lastly, Jonny Bairstow prodded nervously and edged to third slip to leave Yorkshire 4-59.
This incident sparked a wild celebration in the ground as Clark had got the batsmen ranked second, third and 16th in the ICC's official Test batting rankings.
Clark ended up with a career-best haul of 5-58, having also picked up Jack Brooks, who chipped to extra cover, and bowling Ben Coad.