![[Watch]: England U19 Player Falls to Shocking Accidental Runout Against South Africa U19](https://cricfit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20250129_231644.jpg "[Watch]: England U19 Player Falls to Shocking Accidental Runout Against South Africa U19")
Cricket is filled with surprises, and once in a while, we witness something truly bizarre on the sphere. One such moment occurred in the course of the unofficial Test match between England Under-19 and South Africa Under-19 at Stellenbosch University. Aaryan Sawant, England’s promising young batter, found himself at the middle of an unexpected and unlucky dismissal, leaving fans and players in shock.
The Unbelievable Dismissal
Batting at 11* off 26 deliveries, Sawant attempted a strong slog-sweep against South African spinner Jason Rowles. The ball, nevertheless, took an unusual trajectory, striking the helmet of Jorich Van Schalkwyk, who was stationed at short leg. In a stroke of sheer misfortune, the ricochet sent the ball crashing onto the stumps, leaving Sawant outside his crease and dismissed in essentially the most unorthodox way possible.
You could have seen catches being taken after the ball was struck into the helmet of a brief leg fielder
BUT
Have EVER seen someone runout off the helmet of a brief leg fielder? 😱🤯 pic.twitter.com/5PEgAKUr0c
— Werner (@Werries_) January 29, 2025
Sawant was left dumbfounded as he turned back to see the bails dislodged. He hesitated for a moment, perhaps unable to process what had just happened, before reluctantly making his way back to the pavilion. His dismissal was not only unlucky but additionally a particularly rare occurrence in cricket history.
In accordance with ICC laws, if a ball ricochets off a fielder and hits the stumps with the batter outside the crease, the batter is out. The umpires made the right decision on this case.
Van Schalkwyk had no intention of playing an element in Sawant’s dismissal. Positioned at short leg, he was merely doing his job when the ball struck his helmet before bouncing back onto the stumps. The South African fielders were just as stunned because the English team, but they eventually celebrated the wicket.
The Aftermath of the Incident
The incident sent ripples through the match, with players and commentators discussing the legality of the dismissal. The umpires had no hesitation in upholding the choice, as per cricket laws regarding ricochets resulting in a legitimate dismissal.
While celebrating, Van Schalkwyk collapsed to the bottom, possibly still shaken by the ball striking his helmet. His teammates gathered around him, showing their concern before medical staff arrived to examine on him. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured and was in a position to proceed playing.
England’s Recovery after the Dismissal
Despite this unexpected setback, England showed resilience, reaching 275-8 by stumps on Day 3. Wicketkeeper-batter Thomas Rew played a unbelievable innings, scoring a fast 71 to assist England extend their lead.
Source: ESPNCricinfo
South Africa’s Performance within the Match
South Africa had performed well earlier within the match, with Muhammed Bulbulia and Jason Rowles scoring crucial half-centuries to offer their team a 20-run lead. Their bowling attack also posed challenges for England throughout the sport.
Such dismissals can affect a team’s morale, and England briefly lost momentum. Nonetheless, their middle order stepped up, ensuring that the bizarre incident didn’t derail their innings.
