Watch: Joe Root was run out in strange circumstances in England’s fourth innings against Sri Lanka at Galle, impeded from making his ground after a collision with the bowler.

The incident occurred on the last ball of the sixth over of the chase. The tourists needed just 74 to win, but were in early trouble at 14-2. That was compounded when the England captain, fresh off a double century in the first innings, was run out for a single.

Jonny Bairstow was batting at the other end, and called Root through for a risky single after pushing the ball into the off-side. Root set off instantly, but so did Dilruwan Perera, the bowler, who bumped into the non-striker as he went to collect the ball.

As it was, Niroshan Dickwella reached the ball first, with the gloveman collecting and throwing quickly, effecting a direct hit to catch Root short. Root’s efforts to make his ground were also hampered by his bat getting stuck in the turf as he attempted to slide in.

“Root collided with the bowler there,” said Ian Ward on Sky Sports Cricket commentary. “Root was called through for a quick single by Bairstow, he did respond but he collided with the bowler and that impeded him.”

Root was a distance from making his ground when the stumps were broken, so it’s unclear if the collision had a decisive impact. What is obvious is that the moment came as a big blow to England, who suddenly found themselves trying to prevent a dramatic collapse.

Watch the Root run out below:

Exactly what England didn't need…#SLvENG pic.twitter.com/wIiLycULJO

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 17, 2021