England left-arm spinner Jack Leach has commented on Henry Nicholls’ bizarre dismissal, which happened off his bowling on Day 1 of the third Test against New Zealand at Headingley on June 23. The veteran has also stated that he failed to digest that wicket as it came in a weird fashion. His straight drive hit Daryl Mitchell’s bat at the non-striker’s end and deflected towards the mid-off and with this, the hosts got their fifth wicket as well.

While speaking after the day’s play, Leach said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, “I didn’t even know if that was allowed. I don’t actually like the dismissal, but I felt like I bowled pretty well to Nicholls leading up to that… you just have to take it. It’s a silly game. That’s what it made me think: it’s a stupid game that we play. Never seen anything like it. It was very lucky for me, very unlucky for Nicholls.”

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However, Jack Leach also picked up a wicket with his first ball of the innings, trapping opener Will Young in front of the wicket. He ended day one with figures of 30-8-75-2 also.

Meanwhile, Leach also added: “It’s nice to get into the game early as a spinner. Getting a wicket early eases everything for you, too. The weather and wicket – it was good toil out there. I tried to be as aggressive as I could. I knew they were going to come at me. I’m just happy to be out there playing. To reach 25 caps was a bit of a surprise. I thought I was on 24. It’s a nice little milestone. Makes you proud of what you achieved. I didn’t think I’d get one, so it’s special. Nice to get it from a legend and someone who helped me from my game.”

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However, after Nicholls’ dismissal, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell took the team to 225-5. The duo added their third-century partnership in the series, adding an unbeaten 102 runs, where Mitchell scored 78 as well.