2018....49 Not Out
I can’t believe another year is down again. Personally I’m raising the bat for a half century next year (turning 50), and I have to say it’s been an entertaining innings although the last 10 runs have been tough.
I came out to bat early and was steady and consistent on my way to an unbeaten 35 at tea. At that time the ball was getting old and I wanted more from this innings so I decided to go it alone, play more aggressively, go after the loose balls and attack the bowling head on. With this new approach I quickly advanced into the 40’s and 50 was looking a breeze. The fielders couldn’t put a stop to me.
But then they brought on their fast bowler GFC.
I didn’t even see the first two balls and then the third one took me flush in the ribs but I managed to look like I wasn’t hurt and took guard again. Well the fourth, fifth and sixth balls hit me in places I didn’t even know existed, but thank god the over was finished.
But no…GFC had delivered a no-ball so I had another one to face! Grimly I took centre and waited. His run seemed to get longer and he seemed to be getting angrier that he couldn’t dislodge me. He tore in and tried to bounce me into next year, but I was ready this time and saw the delivery easily and ducked and swayed away.
GFC looked despondent and looked like he was out of puff, (this looks promising.) Two balls previously I was ready to retire hurt but I’ve survived to the end of the over and I’m sitting on 49. So with a half century in sight, having survived a bruising period, and GFC looking a little less intimidating than when he started his spell…it looks like I’ll man up, ask the umpire for centre once more, keep the head down, and get to my 50, and then drinks.
Having been through all that, I really feel like the next 50 runs will be a little easier.
John Rosel