Aloof Theory Part 8: MIA

I had to drive several hours out of town on the day of this week's game. I optimistically calculated I could be back roughly in time, perhaps just missing the start. A little too optimistic. By the time I finally arrived at the isolated cricket field in the middle of nowhere, the game had been going for nearly 2 hours!

The batting side were looking pretty dejected. They looked up hopefully when I arrived. "Are you playing with us?" they asked. I inform them I'm with the fielding side. "Great, as if you guys didn't have enough!" It turns out the opposition only had 8 players turn up. I quickly consulted the scorebook to find they're 4 down with only 60 runs on the board. Hmm, we're doing okay. Effectively 5 down as their opening bat from last week failed to turn up. With our team languishing towards the bottom of the ladder, I bear their misfortune with great fortitude and rush onto the field.

I receive a healthy amount of sledging from my teammates for turning up so late. Fair cop. Watching the opposition bat for a few overs, it turns out our meagre first innings total of 154 runs is imminently defendable. The field is soaked, giving a suction noise whenever I try to lift my feet off the ground. It really is swampland! It doesn't hurt that we batted on a dry field last week! The batsmen are finding it difficult getting the ball off the square, let alone score runs. After a couple more overs, a wicket falls. 5 for 66. First innings points are looking pretty good.

The next partnership is stubborn. A young guy drops anchor at one end, an older guy tonks it around at the other end. Finally, Craig gets one to cut in through the gate and the old guy is bowled. 6 for 81. The next guy comes and goes, also bowled by Craig. He's bowling medium pace darts off a 2 step run-up. Hmm, maybe I need to rethink my 6 step run-up - think of all that unnecessary energy expended!

The last wicket falls several overs later and we win first innings points with 67 runs to spare (CriciWiki Scorecard). Finally, our second win of the season (out of 5 games). Although it's within our captain's right to continue the game, he asks the opposition if they want to continue. I lobby that we kick on. I'd hardly had time to raise a sweat! However, our captain is thinking about the beer at the clubhouse. Forget the beer, I want to play cricket! The opposition go into a huddle and emerge, deciding to call it quits. The game ends several hours early and we all head back to the clubhouse.

Feeling a bit frustrated at missing out on any action, I persuade Dexter to have a net session where we both bowl spin for a good hour. At least I got some cricket under my belt today. Next week, we play the only other team we've defeated this season. Perhaps a quiet word in the captain's ear about how I took 3 wickets in an over against these guys might get me a bowl.

Posted by JC on Fri 3 Jul

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