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Joe Root stuns cricket fans with bizarre new fielding position

Joe Root has left cricket purists in shock by fielding on his knees.

The England skipper employed the bizarre tactic during the second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

With debutante spinner Jack Leach bowling, Root decided to drop down to his knees while fielding at second slip.

But rather than pop up once Leach delivered the ball, he stayed on his knees the whole time.

What on earth? Image: Sky Sports
What on earth? Image: Sky Sports

Fans took to social media, gobsmacked by what they were seeing.

The bizarre tactic was first seen in English county cricket when Marcus Trescothick fielded on his knees.

The idea being that you’re a much better chance of taking a low catch, should the ball be edged straight down.

Root also fielded on his knees in March in a Test series against New Zealand.

Spinners put England in control

Moeen Ali helped dismiss Sri Lanka for 203 and build on their advantage after wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes’ debut ton.

The hosts conceded a 139-run lead in response to England’s 342 after being bowled out in the final session of play on day two on a turning Galle pitch notorious for its low scores.

Ali claimed four wickets and was ably supported by fellow spinners Leach and Adil Rashid, who took two each.

England were 0-38 at stumps in their second innings, stretching their lead to 177 runs. Debutant Rory Burns, on 11, and Keaton Jennings, on 26, were batting at close of play.

with agencies