When New Zealand makes Test cricket history, Joe Root is criticized for a “terrible” play.

In a thrilling second Test, New Zealand made cricket history by becoming just the fourth team to win a Test match after being forced to follow-on, beating England by a single run. Neil Wagner claimed the final wicket of Jimmy Anderson to seal the victory for the Black Caps.

Starting the day at 1-48, England lost four quick wickets due to a series of extraordinary mix-ups between Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ollie Robinson. Night-watchman Robinson was dismissed for just two runs, followed by Ben Duckett who was caught behind for 33. Ollie Pope was caught at slip for 14, and then Brook was run out in shocking fashion by Root.

In a particularly memorable moment, Root knocked the ball behind square on the off-side and took off for a quick single, leaving Brook stranded at the non-striker’s end without having faced a single ball. The cricket world was left stunned by the result, which saw New Zealand emerge victorious in a nail-biting match.

But Michael Bracewell outran Brook by a wide margin after reacting to the ball far faster than Root had anticipated. When Brook scored a superb 186 in the first innings, it was a devastating blow for England.

One TV analyst questioned, “What on earth is happening?” “It could be the most crucial period of the day. This is exceptional.” The commentator commented after seeing a replay, “It is the worst thing I’ve seen in Tests.”

Root was swiftly blamed by cricket fans and experts as it looked like he had barbecued Brook by calling him through for a single. The non-striker often makes the call if the ball is behind square leg in cricket.

Yet, Brook had little chance of establishing his ground because Root appeared to make the call on his own. After being fired, Brook flung his head back in shock and got to his feet.

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