Veteran batter and England stalwart Joe Root once again showcased his humorous yet creative side during the second Test against Pakistan in Multan, which kicked off on October 15. In a memorable moment on Day 1, Root took a unique approach to shining the ball by rubbing it on the bare head of spinner Jack Leach.
This playful tactic aimed to maintain the ball’s shine for as long as possible, especially on a pitch that favoured spin after the hosts opted for a surface designed to assist their bowlers. The decision to use Jack Leach’s head for ball shining is notable not only for its creativity but also for adhering to current cricketing regulations.
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Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the use of saliva for shining the ball, prompting players to explore alternative methods. Root’s antics aren’t new; during England’s previous tour of Pakistan in 2022, he similarly shined the ball with Leach’s scalp during a Test match.
Which was more culturally significant, the renaissance or Joe Root shining the ball with Jack Leach’s head sweat? pic.twitter.com/RKrfyMckGU
— TheCricketMen (@thecricketmen) December 3, 2022
In the ongoing series, luck was on Pakistan’s side as skipper Shan Masood won the toss and chose to bat first on a surface that was reused from a previous match. After suffering a humiliating innings defeat in the first Test, Masood and his team were determined to bounce back.
However, Jack Leach wasted no time in making an impact, claiming two wickets in just three overs by dismissing opener Abdulla Shafique and Masood himself.
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This remarkable achievement made Leach the first English spinner to take wickets within the first ten overs of a Test match since 1889, a testament to his skill and precision. Despite an early wobble at 19 for 2, young talents Saim Ayub and debutant Kamran Gulam steadied the innings with their determined half-centuries, giving Pakistan hope in their quest to level the series.
