Watch: "Sorry, Woakesey" - Rishabh Pant apologizes to Chris Woakes after pulling out at last moment
Published - 23 Jun 2025, 04:32 PM | Updated - 23 Jun 2025, 04:49 PM
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In a dramatic moment at Headingley, India’s vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant left everyone stunned, including bowler Chris Woakes, when he pulled out of his stance at the very last second just as the England seamer had already begun his delivery stride on Day 4.
Rishabh Pant’s unexpected move disrupted Chris Woakes, who had nearly released the ball, which created a brief yet tense moment on Day 4 of the ongoing first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley. The incident unfolded in the 32nd over of India’s second innings.
Rishabh Pant backs out mid-delivery, apologizes to Chris Woakes
The left-handed batter, who is known for his unconventional style and fearless approach, stepped away from the crease even without warning, leaving Woakes completely stunned. The England fast bowler was already ready to deliver his delivery, resulting in Pant’s sudden pull-out, which led to confusion and slight irritation among the England camp.
However, it is unknown whether it was a deliberate move from India’s vice-captain. But after realizing his mistake, Pant quickly raised his hand and said, “Sorry, Woakesey” to Woakes to defuse the situation. The English bowler also responded with a smile, but the moment had already gone viral on social media.
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India’s mind games leave Chris Woakes annoyed on Day 4
Well, India seemed to be playing mind games with Chris Woakes on Day 4 at Headingley. Just a few overs after Pant stunned everyone by backing away at the last second, KL Rahul did something similar, pulling out of his stance just as Woakes was about to deliver the ball.
Read Also: Watch: Shubman Gill’s stumps rattled by Brydon Carse on Day 4 of India vs England 1st Test
Woakes was not really pleased and gave a bit of a glare as the English seamer walked back to his mark. Rahul tried to calm the situation by pointing towards extra cover, suggesting that the wind was the issue. However, it looked like Pant’s movements at the non-striker’s end might have been part of the distraction too, as he was seen adjusting his grip at the same time.
These unexpected pull-outs from both Indian batters at the crease left Woakes frustrated and annoyed. Presently, KL Rahul is batting at 59*, and Rishabh Pant also settled at 18* off 32 balls.
Rishabh Pant survives close LBW scare as England burn review
Meanwhile, a few overs later, Rishabh Pant survived an LBW call on Day 4. On the last ball of the 33rd over, Brydon Carse bowled a good-length ball that swung in slightly from outside off stump. Pant tried to scoop it but ended up falling over while attempting the shot.
The Indian vice-captain barely managed to get a faint touch of the bat on the ball before it hit his front pad and sent him falling onto the ground. England players made a loud appeal, but the umpire signalled in favor of the swashbuckling batter.
With just two seconds left on the timer, England captain Ben Stokes decided to take a review. However, the replays clearly showed that Pant had gotten a small edge on the ball before it hit his pad. The decision stayed not out, and England lost a review, giving much-needed relief to India and Pant.
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Rishabh Pant Chris Woakes India National Cricket Team England National Cricket Team India vs England IND vs ENGAbout the Author
Rashmi Wasnik is a passionate content writer with over a decade of experience. She started her journ... Read more
