Jack Leach opens up on Henry Nicholls' bizarre dismissal

England left-arm spinner Jack Leach has opened up on Henry Nicholls' bizarre dismissal, which took place off his bowling on Day 1 of the third Test against New Zealand at Headingley on June 23. The 31-year-old has also admitted that he failed to digest that wicket but deserved it for bowling well against Nicholls.

However, the Christchurch-born got out in the most unlucky way of getting dismissed in Test cricket. His straight drive off the bowler hit Daryl Mitchell's bat at the non-striker's end and deflected towards the mid-off region. And with this, the hosts got their fifth wicket of the day after losing the toss.

While speaking after the day's play, Leach said he was clueless about how to react in that situation and felt he didn't deserve the particular wicket. However, the spinner has also reflected that he kept things tight before Nicholls' wicket.

As quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, the 31-year-old has said, "I didn't even know if that was allowed. I don't actually like the dismissal, but I felt like I bowled pretty well to Nicholls leading up to that… you just have to take it. It's a silly game. That's what it made me think: it's a stupid game that we play. Never seen anything like it. It was very lucky for me, very unlucky for Nicholls."

It's worth noting that he didn't seem to understand what happened; however, the teammates started celebrating soon after. Nicholls, who scored 19, survived for 98 balls and added 40 runs with Daryl Mitchell before departing.

The Englishman also picked up a wicket with his first ball of the innings, trapping opener Will Young in front of the stumps. He ended day one with figures of 30-8-75-2 also.

Meanwhile, Leach also reflected that it was good to get an early wicket as it helped them make things easier and that he tried to be aggressive also. The experienced bowler also said that it felt nice to get his 25th Test cap from James Anderson.

He further added: "It's nice to get into the game early as a spinner. Getting a wicket early eases everything for you, too. The weather and wicket - it was good toil out there. I tried to be as aggressive as I could. I knew they were going to come at me. I'm just happy to be out there playing. To reach 25 caps was a bit of a surprise. I thought I was on 24. It's a nice little milestone. Makes you proud of what you achieved. I didn't think I'd get one, so it's special. Nice to get it from a legend and someone who helped me from my game."

After Nicholls' dismissal, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell steadied the ship as the Kiwis reached 225-5. The duo added their third-century partnership in the series, adding an unbeaten 102 runs, with Mitchell on 78.