A surprise guest stole the limelight at Lord’s during the opening match of The Hundred 2025, as a fox sprinted onto the field midway through the clash between London Spirit and Oval Invincibles. What began as a routine evening of cricket quickly turned into an internet sensation when the lively intruder ran across the outfield, halting play and sending the crowd into hysterics.
The moment occurred during the Invincibles’ chase of a modest 81-run target. As Daniel Worrall prepared to bowl, the fox made its grand entrance, sprinting along the boundary line before darting across the pitch. The packed crowd at Lord’s erupted into laughter and cheers as the animal weaved through fielders and dodged stewards. It even paused momentarily near the pavilion before elegantly leaping over an advertising hoarding and exiting the ground on its own terms.
Play was briefly paused, but the players and commentators took it in good humour. Former England internationals in the commentary box made light-hearted remarks, with Stuart Broad jokingly asking, “How do you even catch a fox?” The light-hearted interruption became an instant highlight, eclipsing even the cricket on display and generating a flood of memes and clips across social media platforms.
Despite the unexpected pause, the Oval Invincibles remained focused. Rashid Khan and Sam Curran delivered clinical bowling performances, both claiming three wickets and dismantling the London Spirit batting order. The home side was bowled out for just 80 runs in 94 balls. The Invincibles then chased down the target with ease, winning by six wickets with 14 balls to spare. Rashid Khan was named Player of the Match for his figures of 3 for 11, marking a strong return after a post-IPL break.
But for fans, especially those inside Lord’s, the fox’s visit was the unforgettable part of the night. The uninvited guest provided a spontaneous, charming disruption that resonated far beyond the stadium. Social media quickly lit up with footage of the furry pitch invader, with many dubbing it the “Player of the Night.” Even broadcasters replayed the moment repeatedly, acknowledging that the fox had become the unlikely hero of the evening.
The incident has added to a growing list of quirky interruptions in cricket history—ranging from bees in Johannesburg to dogs in Sri Lanka—but a fox sprinting across the hallowed turf at Lord’s was a first. Fans welcomed the break in routine, especially in a format like The Hundred, which aims to appeal to newer, younger audiences. The moment also helped elevate the opening fixture’s energy, despite the one-sided nature of the match.
In the end, while Oval Invincibles walked away with a comprehensive win, it was the fox that truly stole the show. A fleeting moment of wildlife wonder in the heart of cricket’s most historic ground became the story of the night—proving once again that in sport, sometimes the unscripted moments are the most memorable.