Cricket matches are often full of surprises but sometimes it's not just the players providing the entertainment. During the opening match of The Hundred 2025 at Lord's, a fox sprinted across the field mid-game.
The incident paused the play and left fans and players equally amused. While the Oval Invincibles went on to beat the London Spirit convincingly, the unexpected four-legged intruder became one of the most talked-about moments from the night.
This was not the first time the gentleman's game had been upstaged by an animal. From bees to pigs to snakes, here is a look back at seven memorable moments when creatures stole the spotlight on the cricket field.
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Animal interruptions during cricket matches
A fox at Lord's during The Hundred opener
The iconic Lord's Cricket Ground saw a different kind of drama when a fox made a surprise appearance during the Oval Invincibles vs London Spirit clash. It darted across the lush outfield before leaping over the boundary rope and disappearing - much to the amusement of the crowd.
There's a fox on the field! 🦊 pic.twitter.com/3FiM2W90yZ
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 5, 2025
Cat causes chaos during an international game
Black cats are usually associated with superstition and one particular feline made headlines when it showed up during Afghanistan's innings against New Zealand. Oddly enough, the batting side collapsed shortly after - though the sample size for this theory is still one.
Whenever this Black Cat appears during a team's batting, they lose. (Sample size: 1)
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) February 21, 2025
Afghanistan are in 4 down on 50 now. https://t.co/VftUgFhb01 pic.twitter.com/SIFneg2lfU
Pig pitch invasion during England vs Australia
In one of the more bizarre moments, a pig was released onto the field during an England vs Australia ODI. What caught everyone's attention was the word "BOTHAM" scrawled on one side of the animal.
Bees force players to take cover
A match in Northampton came to a sudden pause when a swarm of bees took over the field. Players and umpires hit the ground and ducked to avoid stings until the buzzing guests moved on.
A swarm of bees caused players and umpires to duck for cover in Northampton pic.twitter.com/rpgonddWwN
— Rothesay County Championship (@CountyChamp) May 25, 2024
More: India's greatest Test wins: List of 10 best victories away from home
Snake slithers onto the pitch in Sri Lanka
During a Lanka Premier League match between Galle Titans and Dambulla Aura, a snake unexpectedly made its way onto the playing surface. Thankfully, it was identified as a non-venomous rat snake and play resumed shortly after.
Dog joins the field during WI vs AUS Test
Sometimes, a man's best friend can be a playful pitch invader too. During a West Indies vs Australia match, a dog ran onto the field - briefly halting play before being gently escorted away.
A brief intrusion by a furry friend 😅
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 4, 2025
WI 124/4 (33) #WIvAUS | #FullAhEnergy pic.twitter.com/mZpN0PcGnS
Seagull survives scare at the MCG
In a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a seagull took a direct hit from a shot but miraculously recovered and flew off. The bird's survival story went viral afterwards.