Sportsmanship at its best! Chris Wood chooses not to run out injured batter at non-striker’s end. Watch – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In a display of impeccable sportsmanship, Hampshire Hawks’ bowler Chris Wood exhibited the true example of fair play during the Vitality Blast match against Kent on Sunday.

Wood earned a heartfelt round of applause for his compassionate decision not to attempt a run-out of Kent’s Matt Parkinson, who had been struck by a powerful straight drive.

The incident unfolded in the final over of the first innings at the Rose Bowl. Bowling with precision both at the beginning and end of the innings, Wood started the final over with impressive figures of 1-12 from three overs.



His skill was evident as he swiftly claimed a second wicket, trapping Australian overseas player Xavier Bartlett lbw.

With Kent now nine wickets down, it was Parkinson’s turn to take to the crease. He opened his account with a single. Then, all-rounder Joey Evison managed to gather a couple of runs off Wood’s next delivery.

As the over approached its conclusion, Evison attempted a powerful drive down the ground as Parkinson found himself in the line of fire and was struck on the body by the ball. Collapsing in pain, he dropped his bat, and the ball rebounded towards Wood.

As Wood retrieved the ball, his attention turned towards the injured tailender. Instead of dislodging the bails to conclude the innings, he opted to walk past the stumps. The crowd responded to this gesture with a warm round of applause.