Watch: Joe Root plays reverse scoop off Wagner, gets out in horrible way in 1st Test

On 16 February 2023, England locked horns with New Zealand in the first match of the two-match Test series in Mount Maunganui. England batted first as the Kiwis opted to field first after winning the toss. The visitors declared after scoring 325 runs for nine wickets in 58.2 overs. But, Joe Root only managed to score 14 runs off 22 balls. 

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The former England Test skipper was seen trying some innovative shots throughout his innings. It paid off initially. But, he fell into the trap and lost his wicket in a bizarre way. Fans were also surprised to see such an approach from a classy batter like Root. Hence, the video of that dismissal has now gone viral.

Here is the viral video:

Look at Joe Root, he did hit a four off this shot earlier but it's Test cricket and they had fielders there 🤦‍♂️ #NZvENGpic.twitter.com/9IXyUs5md6

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 16, 2023

Neil Wagner took the wicket of Joe Root in the first innings

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Speaking of the video, the incident took place during the 28th over of England’s innings. Joe Root was batting while Neil Wagner was bowling. Before that over, Root managed a ramp shot against Wagner that went for four runs. But, on the second delivery of the 28th over, Root tried a reverse scoop but it ended up in slip’s hands. 

Daryl Mitchell dived and managed to pounce the catch and Joe Root got dismissed in a shocking way. Some fans also claimed that his willingness to play the ‘Bazball’ approach influenced his dismissal. For England, Harry Brook was the highest run scorer. He scored 89 runs off 81 balls, including 15 fours and one six. He batted at a staggering strike rate of 109.87. Apart from him, Ben Duckett scored 84 runs off 68 balls, including 14 fours. 

Duckett also batted at a strike rate of 123.52. Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes scored 42 and 38 runs respectively. For the Kiwis, Neil Wagner took four wickets for 82 runs in 16.2 overs. Along with him, Southee and Kuggeleijn took two wickets each while Tickner took one wicket. In reply, New Zealand are currently struggling as they scored 37 runs for three wickets in 18 overs.