Swarm of bees interrupt World Cup match between Sri Lanka and South Africa
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the Cricket World Cup so far and that continued at Chester-le-Street where there was a hive of activity.
Sri Lanka started the day looking to fly up the table as they aim to claim a previously unlikely semi-final spot.
However, South Africa, already eliminated from the competition, were looking to put a sting in the tail of their opponents chances.
That was until play was interrupted by a swarm of bees in the ground.
Bees stop play... pic.twitter.com/kRjzCeQexZ
— Fred Boycott (@FredBoycott) June 28, 2019
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Players from both sides and the umpires were forced to go lay on the ground to take cover form the flying invaders.
The swarm seemed to be centred around the crease, leaving fans safe from the uninvited guests to Durham.
Speaking on BBC Test Match Special Former England coach Paul Farbrace commented "Not one spectator was stretched or bothered, and yet all the players were on the ground.
"There must have been some people wondering what on earth was going on. If you're new to that game you'd go home going 'not only do they stop for a drink but halfway through the game they all lay down! Stressful game, cricket!'"
Remarkably, the same two teams were involved in a similar incident when South Africa hosted Sri Lanka in 2017 and bees attacked the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg.
Earlier this year, five fans were hospitalised in Kerala with minor injuries after a bee assault which interrupted an England Lions match against India A.
The latest bee stoppage came late during the Sri Lanka innings.
However, it would appear as though they were left in something of a sticky situation after being bowled out for just 203.
