How unlucky can you get on the cricket field? Ask Worcestershire captain Dane Vilas or perhaps don’t for the betterment of all concerned. For in a County Championship division 1 match against Lancashire, Vilas was run out while backing up in the unluckiest manner possible.
In Worcestershire’s first innings, all Vilas did wrong was taking a step or two more while backing up when the ball ricocheted off the bowler Josh Tongue onto the stumps much to the shock of Vilas.
To his credit, the South Africa international did not show dissent and walked away calmly for 14. In contrast, the striker, opening batsman Alex Davies was devastated to see his perfectly timed shot resulting in the wicket of his captain.
The Lancashire fielders weren’t complaining. It was a very important wicket for them. The fourth-wicket partnership between Vilas and Davies was doing a fine repair job for Worcestershire when the run out brought about a premature end to it.
In reply of Lancashire’s 222, Worcestershire were bowled out for 161 in their first innings. Lancashire then gave a 314-run to Worcestershire after an improved show in the second innings.