Been meaning to post this since last week but seem to have stuck in drafts.
Since being dropped by second team early on in the season on a Saturday at the very last moment because a certain prima donna player became available, I decided to stick with Sunday team [batting guaranteed :-)]. Last weekend, seconds were short and I was available so joined in for a double game weekend.
I wasn't even in the batting line up as the skip only set order till 5 and said let's see how it goes. Loss of few early wickets and I was asked to bat 6, against a reasonably good bowling attack.
For me, it was a game of mind rather than skill. On a damp wicket, I started by blocking for a few overs and doing my best to get to the other end, if it was last ball of the over, I deliberately blocked it rather than looking for a single. The batter at other end was doing ok and did all the hitting. When the spinner came with plenty of flight, my plan was simple, charge forward and meet the ball in air, I swept almost every single ball I faced of his to leg side boundary for a single. He bowled well but had fielders set on boundary for the catch and I was content with singles, no even once did I try to whack him out of the ground. He ended up getting a few wickets but not me :-0.
I think my first 20 runs were all singles.
Then when the pace attack came and we were at a decent score, I charged and placed one out of the park literally, smashing someone's car. Absolutely no idea how that shot came about but it was my day. As I was getting runs on leg side, they placed a very tight field but to my own surprise, I was able to find gaps on the off, albeit most of the shots were in air but placed nicely in gaps. I was kind of pre meditating deciding already where I want to play irrespective of the field.
I reached my second 50 of lifetime with a single.
Two more fours and as there were only 8 balls to go, I got out charging to a full one. I could have easily played not out.
I finished on 58, a meager score for many but career best for me.
Highlight of my innings was thinking and game plan, where the wicket was damp, I stood yards out of the crease making sure the ball doesn't find the damp spot and I was in best position for a shot. I watched field very intently and adjusted accordingly, this time it paid off.
This season has been best season runs wise for me and the vortex just keeps going. I have hit more sixes this season that all the last seasons combined.
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Topic: career best (Read 1174 times)