The drama of a bowl-out

By arjones

THE EXPERIENCE of a bowl-out at such a crucial stage of the Twenty20 Cup was completely and utterly nerve racking — and all I had to do was catch the balls that missed the stumps.

I can only imagine what each of our bowlers was thinking as they stepped up and stared down the 22 yards at three stumps that must surely have seemed as tiny as toothpicks.

As each of them took their turn to run up and bowl in a hall so silent they would be able to hear the thud of their hearts against their chests, they not only carried the hopes and expectations of the remaining squad huddled in a corner of anticipation, but also of a whole county desperate for silverware.

Just imagine the pressure. So many factors and thoughts running through their heads as they prepared to ultimately deliver our fate in this year's Twenty20 Cup.

However, one key point that stood out for me and that I have continuously played in my mind since is how well our bowlers handled the pressure.

I think it is only fair for me to try to describe the details of that bowl-out, as I think our bowlers deserve every bit of recognition they get.

Upon hearing from the match officials that any form of outside match against Lancashire was impossible because Old Trafford was waterlogged, and that the only way to find a result was through a bowl-out, our preparation was perfect to the finest detail.

We selected our six bowlers — five to participate and one in reserve — from an in-team competition.

Our six bowlers, in order, were: Peter Trego, Charl Willoughby, Alfonso Thomas, Ben Phillips, Omari Banks and Arul Suppiah.

I have to admit I wasn't too disappointed not to have been included even after my 30% strike-rate in our trial.

Our preparation consisted pretty much of 20 minutes practise, but in those 20 minutes each and every one of the six nominees went through everything they thought necessary to help them perform.

Peter Trego, Charl Willoughby and Ben Phillips all missed with their first attempts but hit with their second — a feat that I find incredible as the pressure was so tangible after they missed first time.

Alfonso Thomas hit with both of his attempts after missing almost every single one in the practice.

Omari Banks and Arul Suppiah weren't needed as we had already clinched our place at Finals Day by then.

We were all elated to have won our first bowl-out in an extremely tense and pressurised situation, but we also felt for our opponents.

To lose is never easy, but to lose such a crucial game in such a way must surely be heart wrenching and I feel for every single Lancashire player.

However, we are through to the semi-finals of the Twenty20 Cup and will meet Kent at Edgbaston on Saturday week, with Northamptonshire or Sussex awaiting in the final.

We cannot wait to again challenge ourselves against the best of this competition.

This is our second knockout stage this year — after reaching the Friends Provident Trophy quarter-finals — and it shows we are becoming a side seriously able to compete for silverware in all competitions.