Worcestershire's Nathan Smith accidentally strikes own head with ball while attempting run-out, video goes viral

Worcestershire and Warwickshire are currently locking horns in the first-round of County Championship 2024 match at the historic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. Worcestershire scored 350 after being put to bat first on Day 1, April 5. Kashif Ali (110) emerged as the standout performer, while Gareth Roderick also contributed significantly with a 68-run knock. Meanwhile, Chris Rushworth was the pick of bowlers of Warwickshire, finishing with figures of 3-97. 

In the meantime, Warwickshire notched up 333 runs in the second innings of the match, propelled by notable half-centuries from Will Rhodes (64), Ed Barnard (89), and Dan Mousley (62). Worcestershire's bowling effort saw Nathan Smith claiming 3 wickets for 49 runs, whereas Adam Finch also claimed a three-wicket haul for 56 runs. Adding to the action, Smith executed a run-out of Jacob Bethell, marking a fortunate debut in the County Championship.

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In a laughable incident during the game, Smith experienced an unusual mishap as wicketkeeper Michael Burgess returned a ball to him. The bowler quickly attempted to throw down the stumps at the striker’s end. Regrettably, he inadvertently lost grip of the ball, resulting in it striking him on the side of his head. However, Smith quickly turned the tables, later dismissing Burgess, who returned to the pavilion after scoring just 7 off 16 deliveries.

Watch the video:

pic.twitter.com/g7b9tpZXOk

— No Context County Cricket (@NoContextCounty) April 6, 2024

In terms of the game, batting with a lead of 27, Worcestershire ended Day 3's play at 237-2. Jake Libby remained unbeaten at 75, while Kashif's impressive knock of 133 contributed significantly to their score. The duo made a noteworthy 200-run partnership for the second wicket before Kashif was dismissed by Oliver Hannon-Dalby in the 41st over, leaving Worcestershire at 208/2.

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Kashif's achievement of scoring two centuries in the same first-class match against Warwickshire makes him only the second Worcestershire player to do so. Glenn Turner is the first player who accomplished this feat twice.

On Day 4, Libby maintained his momentum, forging a crucial partnership with Rob Jones, who fell after contributing 18 runs. By the second session, Worcestershire had advanced to 295/3 in 69.1 overs, with Libby batting on 101* alongside Adam Hose, who was on 17* when rain interrupted the game. Notably, Worcestershire are currently leading the game by 322 runs.