A tailender has enjoyed a surprisingly long innings.
Adam’s team, the Funky Streets, looked set for a tough day with only nine players available (including one fill-in).
A right arm leg spinner, Adam bats number 11 and doesn’t expect to have many hits in the 35-over games. But he was promoted to number eight (ahead of the fill-in) and found himself coming in at 6/36 after 15 overs.
“Luckily I’d had a good hit before the game, so I was ready to go,” said Adam.
That practice paid off as Adam batted the next 20 overs for 14 not out, with three boundaries as the frustrated bowlers started to tire.
“My partner was motoring along to 50 so I thought I’d better play sensibly and focus on staying in there.”
Adam received an unexpected compliment from the opposition captain, who told his team that “he wasn’t going to give his wicket away.”
“That motivated me even more. I could tell the oppo were getting the shits with me, so why not dig in further? The boundaries at the end were a reward for my hard work.”
The Funky Streets’ score of 106 all out wasn’t enough, with the opposition reaching the target four wickets down and with 10 overs to spare.
“I was too buggered from batting and only got two overs. For once I didn’t mind not bowling much. I did my job earlier.”
Though Adam isn’t expecting a promotion in the next game.
“Mate, I’m still a number 11 for a reason, and I expect to stay there when we have a full team again. Doesn’t worry me one bit.”
The Gurgler presents stories of the Park Cricketer, where we explore the lower reaches of the great game of cricket from the suburban ovals and rural grounds across Australia.
