My torrid season continues. Got a text on Friday saying I was called into the 1's due to a few cry offs. Was initially a bit sulky about it, as with a batting average of 8, no bowling average (due to no wickets yet) but an economy rate at around 6, I clearly wasn't being picked on merit. In my eyes there ought to have been 2-3 players ahead of me in the pecking order.
Anyway, it transpired that we really were pretty short, and in the circumstances maybe I was the next best person available. Still wasn't really looking forward to it, as was expecting to bat 7-8.
Anyway, after we warmed up, the skipper took me to one side and told me he wanted to open the batting! Bonus! Felt slightly guilty, since there were probably at least 2 other guys in the team who deserved the opportunity more than me, but at the same time really chuffed, as opening for the 1's is what I'm aiming to do by the end of the season.
Anyway, we lost the toss and they chose to bowl. I was in a much better mood now and I think it was reflected in my fielding. I threw myself around a fair bit and made some decent diving stops.
They posted 205-8 from 45 overs, which given that the pitch was flatter than an unlucky hedgehog, didn't seem like an unattainable target.
Unfortunately my stay at the crease lasted 2 balls. With me and my opening partner having hit a single a piece I was adjudged caught behind from the 3rd delivery of the innings. Bit of a funny one really. Was a good ball, and there was definitely a 'click' at the right moment, but I honestly didn't think I nicked it. In fact I felt I'd missed it by a fair bit, but 11 fielders, my batting partner, all the spectators plus most importantly the umpire disagreed
I assume it will be a swift return to the 2's next week. I'm 25-4 for the season now. Feel like I'm batting better then at any point bin the last 3-4 years. Why can't I score runs!!!!
We ended up woefully short on 134-9, partly due to good bowling (to be fair they are probably the best bowling attack in the league) but also due to some poor umpiring too.
Have to say it felt really luckless too. They had their fair share of runs scored with false shots that kept looping into gaps and mis-hits that evaded out fielders, whereas when we batted everything seemed to go to hand plus they seemed to get more decisions.
Oh well. At least the 2's won!