Vitality T20 Blast: [WATCH] Chris Wood Refrains From Running Out Matt Parkinson After He Gets Hit By The Ball

Hampshire bowler Chris Wood earned admiration for a remarkable display of sportsmanship during the current match against Kent in the Vitality T20 Blast in Southampton. The left-arm pacer declined to run out Matt Parkinson at the non-striker’s end in the last over of the innings after the ball hit him.

On the penultimate delivery of the first innings, Wood delivered a full ball that Joey Evison attempted to hit down the ground. However, the ball struck Matt Parkinson at the non-striker’s end, causing him to fall well out of his crease. The ball ricocheted back to Wood, presenting an opportunity for an easy run-out to end the innings.

However, the bowler opted to return to his bowling mark, allowing Parkinson time to recover from the blow and make his way back to the non-striker’s end slowly. Kent managed to score a boundary off the final delivery, taking their total to 165/9.

Impeccable sportsmanship 👏

Matt Parkinson is struck by the ball, and Chris Wood chooses not to run him out 🫡 pic.twitter.com/RijvNEpqWi

— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) June 2, 2024

Wood finished with bowling figures of 2/19, emerging as the standout performer among the Hampshire bowlers. Currently, the game stands evenly balanced, with Hampshire positioned at 83/3 in the 13th over. Matt Parkinson has bowled three overs, conceding only 15 runs without claiming a wicket at this point.

Nepal’s wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh received the 2022 Spirit of Cricket Award for a similar gesture

In a February 2022 match between Nepal and Ireland, wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh declined to run out Andy McBrine, who collided with bowler Kamal Airee and fell on the pitch while attempting a quick single.

Despite the bowler completing the throw to the keeper with McBrine far from the crease, Aasif Sheikh chose not to remove the bails, enabling McBrine to return safely to the crease.

A heart-warming #SpiritOfCricket moment from Nepal's wicket-keeper Aasif Sheikh 👏

Follow the upcoming T20 World Cup Qualifier A live on @FanCode and https://t.co/CPDKNxoJ9v (in select regions).

All you need to know 👉 https://t.co/XQgeYSj7Z7 pic.twitter.com/1JoX7qRube

— ICC (@ICC) February 16, 2022

He was named the recipient of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2022 for his action, which garnered widespread admiration worldwide.

Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.