The second Test match between England and Sri Lanka at Lord’s Cricket Ground witnessed an unusual incident involving a spectator. While attempting to catch a six hit by Kamindu Mendis, a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) received a painful blow to the head, prompting a momentary halt in the game.

A Six That Went Wrong

The incident occurred in the 55th over when Olly Stone, the England bowler, bowled a short-pitched delivery to Mendis. Mendis responded with a hook shot, but the ball edged off the bat and sailed high above the wicketkeeper’s head towards the stands.

One of the MCC members seated outside the Lord’s pavilion tried to catch the ball, but it burst through his hands and hit him directly on the head. Concerned faces appeared among the spectators and the players, as play was immediately stopped to check on the injured member.

A Timely Response

Paramedics swiftly reached the scene and attended to the MCC member, who reportedly left the seating area shortly after. However, he was later spotted talking to the Sri Lankan players, suggesting that he was fine.

Mendis’ Century and England’s Lead

The incident, while unfortunate, did little to disrupt the flow of the game. Mendis, who had already notched up a significant score, continued his onslaught, eventually finishing with a well-made 74 runs off 120 deliveries. He was the top scorer for Sri Lanka as they were bowled out for 196, putting them behind England’s first innings total of 427.

Atkinson’s Historic Feat

Mendis, while walking back to the Sri Lankan dressing room, enquired about the well-being of the MCC member, showing a gesture of concern for the spectator who had received a blow during his innings.

The incident aside, England extended their lead to 256 runs at the end of day 2, leaving them firmly in control of the contest. Opener Dan Lawrence was dismissed cheaply for 7 runs by Lahiru Kumara, but Ben Duckett (15) and captain Ollie Pope (2) steered England to 25/1 in seven overs.

England’s Gut Atkinson continued his impressive run at Lord’s. Having already taken a five-wicket haul on Test debut (match haul of 12) against the West Indies last month, he followed it up with a century against Sri Lanka on Friday.

This achievement made Atkinson the sixth cricketer in history to accomplish the feat of a 10-wicket haul and a Test hundred at Lord’s, widely considered the “Home of Cricket”.

“It’s amazing. As a boy growing up, I always dreamt of getting on the Lord’s honours board. To be honest, I never thought I’ll be up there for a hundred. So to be up there is special,” Atkinson shared with the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Takeaways

• The spectator incident highlighted the risks associated with catching flying cricket balls, especially when spectators are positioned close to the playing area.
• Despite the interruption, the match continued, demonstrating the resilience and professionalism of both the players and officials.
• Mendis’s 74-run innings proved pivotal in keeping Sri Lanka in the game, even though they were trailing behind England’s impressive first innings total.
• Gut Atkinson’s incredible performance further solidifies his place in cricket history and serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and talent.