County Championship 2021: Hampshire pacer Keith Barker pulls off a hilarious prank on Middlesex's Nick Gubbins

While cricket is regarded as a gentlemen’s game, players have got involved in verbal battles and heated arguments on numerous occasions. In fact, sledging has become a part of the game. The altercations between players have often hurt the spirit of the game. However, there have been some instances when light banters have left the viewers amused. A similar incident happened during the County Championship clash between Middlesex and Hampshire.

On Day one of the ongoing clash at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, Middlesex’s Nick Gubbins put up an impressive show and registered a brilliant half-century. However, he was hilariously pranked by Hampshire pacer Keith Barker, which left the fans in splits. The batsman apparently slipped down at the non-striker’s end after tucking a ball on the leg side and completing the first run. The best, however, was yet to come.

Keith Barker tricks Nick Gubbins with hilarious prank

Barker stretched out his hand and offered help for Gubbins to get up. While his actions seemed a kind gesture, the fast bowler had something else in mind. Barker withdrew his helping hand just as the Middlesex player had gone to accept his aid. It was indeed a hilarious prank and The Grade Cricketer summed up the moment while sharing the video on Twitter. “Alpha’s gonna alpha,” read the caption, and the video has gone viral.

Meanwhile, Gubbins couldn’t add much to his score after scoring the half-century and got out on 51. He was the highest run-scorer from his side as Middlesex were bundled out for 172 while batting first. In reply, Hampshire put up a much better batting display and piled up 208 runs. While skipper James Vince made a well-compiled 62, Keith Barker scored a sensational 84 while batting at number eight and gave his side a significant lead.

Middlesex couldn’t make any sort of comeback in their second innings and got packed for 101 runs. Gubbins couldn’t back his half-century with a significant score and made just two runs. Chasing a modest total of 66 runs, Hampshire did lose three early wickets but eventually crossed the line with seven wickets in hand.

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