5 popular players who picked a wicket without conceding a run in a Test innings
In limited-overs games, it is not a surprise when a player finishes his /her bowling figures without giving away a run. This happens when the overs finish or when the team gets all-out. However, in Tests, this is not the case as players tend to bowl longer spells. On that note, in this article, we take a look at five popular players who picked a wicket without conceding a run in a Test inning.
Cricket can be surprising at times. The best of bowlers can end up without a major bowling record but popular batters can achieve them. This could also happen in a vice-versa scenario. The context of this article is highly suited to the batters who roll their arm over.
1) Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 1996
Opposition: West Indies || Batter who got out: Jimmy Adams
Ricky Ponting is one of the players who picked a wicket without conceding a run in a Test inning. Paul Reiffel had to leave the field after completing one ball in his 25th over. Hence, Ponting had to bowl. He helped captain Mark Taylor in getting a wicket and closing out the West Indian innings.
2) Kevin Pietersen (England) - 2008
Opposition: South Africa || Batter who got out: Dale Steyn
The former England skipper scored a stunning century and later was called on to bowl in the first innings. He collected the wicket of speedster Dale Steyn and this was the end of the innings. Hence, he is also a part of this list.
3) Shane Watson (Australia) - 2013
Opposition: England || Batter who got out: Michael Carberry
Shane Watson did not bowl much in Tests. Nevertheless, he owns a very good record here. He bowled 3 overs to concede no runs and pick an important wicket of England's opener.
4) Joe Root (England) - 2016
Opposition: Pakistan || Batter who got out: Wahab Riaz
Joe Root is also one of the popular players who picked a wicket without conceding a run in a Test inning. The former English skipper has often bowled off-spin to earn some vital wickets for his side. Back in 2016, after scoring a double century, he got a chance to also bowl. Root collected a wicket and ensured a win for his side. This wicket came without him giving away any runs.
5) Ross Taylor (New Zealand) - 2022
Opposition: Bangladesh || Batter who got out: Ebadot Hossain
Ross Taylor played the last game of his Test career in 2022. It was a home game against Bangladesh and the hosts were nearing victory. It was the final few minutes of Taylor's career and hence, he was given the bowl. The legend did not disappoint as he got a wicket in just three deliveries. Tom Latham helped him to complete the catch for the scalp. Hence, the former Kiwi batter is also one of the players who picked a wicket without conceding a run in a Test inning.