Cricket, often marked by intense competition, occasionally presents moments of light-hearted banter among players. Such a humorous incident unfolded during the 2023 World Cup match between India and England when Joe Root playfully teased David Willey. England won the toss and opted to field against India in the high-stakes World Cup game in Lucknow.
The English team, coming off three consecutive losses, made an impressive start with the ball, dismissing Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer with just 40 runs on the board. However, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul displayed their class, frustrating the English bowlers with their partnership. In the midst of this competitive game, Joe Root added a touch of humor to the field.
In the 23rd over, Rahul, after playing three consecutive dot balls, attempted to break free by driving Liam Livingstone’s tossed-up delivery. Willey, stationed at cover, successfully stopped the ball, preventing Rahul from scoring. In the process, however, the England all-rounder appeared to hurt his hand and winced in pain.
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On the next ball, Rahul executed a cut shot on Livingstone’s good-length delivery. Root, fielding at point, made a diving stop. In a playful gesture, the former England captain imitated Willey by pretending to wince in pain.
Here is the video of the incident:
— Shamsi sinha (@SSinha23546) October 29, 2023
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
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England (Playing XI): Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
Joe Root’s light-hearted jest at Willey quickly gained attention on the internet, and cricket fans on Twitter shared their reactions to this amusing moment.
‘Man of the Match’ David Willey #WazirxOfTheMatch
— juju (@jujuwarren22) October 29, 2023
A fan travelled 12,445km from the USA to Lucknow to witness King Kohli.
– The one true 🐐 pic.twitter.com/wB5T4AqMrD
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 29, 2023
Ye David Willey.. aaj team India ko bade jhatke de raha hai. 💔
— Faiz Fazel (@theFaizFazel) October 29, 2023
Did Joe Root just mock David Willey wincing in pain? 😹
— Bas De Joker (Perry’s version) (@Jokeresque_) October 29, 2023
I’d rather bowl Joe Root than Livingstone #INDvsENG
— Neil (@njhcricket) October 29, 2023
Joe Root is having some fun in the field. First put on Buttler’s helmet while at slip, then mimicked Willey’s writhing in pain after stopping the ball. #INDvBAN #ICCCricketWorldCup
— Aman (@_amantweets) October 29, 2023
