'Never seen anything like it' - Jack Leach on Henry Nicholls' unfortunate dismissal in Headingley Test

The ongoing Test series between England and New Zealand has not been short of talking points, and it got another on Day 1 of the third Test at Headingley when Kiwi batter Henry Nicholls became victim of one of the most bizarre dismissals in the history of the game.

The incident took place in the 56th over of the game when left-arm spinner Jack Leach was bowling. Nicholls attempted a straight drive which flew in the direction of non-striker Daryl Mitchell. The ball hit Mitchell’s bat during his evasive actions and flew to the grateful hands of Alex Lees, stationed at mid-off.

The southpaw’s frustration was clear to see as he made his slow walk back towards the dressing room. But Leach was equally bemused by the dismissal and was seen standing in disbelief during the incident. The bowler expressed his feelings about the absurd wicket as he sympathized with the New Zealand batter but said he would accept it nonetheless.

“It was unbelievable, I’ve never seen anything like it. I didn’t even know if that was allowed, but I’ll take any wicket I can get. You get enough that doesn’t go your way. It was very unlucky for Nicholls but very lucky for me,” Leach told reporters following the end of the day’s play.

Tom Blundell and Daryl Mitchell frustrate the English bowlers once again

The themes of the series so far have been the struggle of New Zealand’s top-order batters against the quality fast bowling of England and the resistance of Mitchell and Blundell in the middle order. The pair rescued the visitors once again when they were struggling at 123/5. They registered their third-century stand of the series and took New Zealand’s score to 225/5 at the end of play on Day 1.

New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi praised Mitchell’s attitude in the series as he is on the course for his third century in three matches in England. “I think mentally he has just been positive in what he’s trying to do. He knows his game style and game plan, he’s sticking to it, and he trusts it,” Ronchi stated.