VIDEO | Jeet Raval’s heavy strike goes for six despite hitting bowler Andrew Ellis’ head
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While there have been many instances where boundaries have been scored in unusual ways, somehow players still find new ways to score runs. Today, in the Ford Trophy's preliminary final, Jeet Raval’s heavy strike hit bowler Andrew Ellis’ head but still managed to cross the boundary for six runs.
The physical threat that a cricket ball possesses has never in doubt, but at times, batsmen are at the receiving end of the same. However, the bouncer has always been a legitimate part of a bowler's armoury and until the moment Douglas Jardine used it bloody-mindedly as an offensive strategy against Don Bradman, it didn’t cause a moral outrage. But with a lot of accidents happening on the cricket field, cricket became more sterile, to say the least.
However, in a rather bizarre incident in New Zealand's domestic 50-over competition, Jeet Raval managed to hit a six despite the ball hitting bowler Andrew Ellis’ head. The incident took place in the 19th over of Auckland's innings. After winning the toss, Auckland opted to bat first and when Ellis brought himself on to the attack, Raval didn’t leave any stone unturned to attack Ellis.
The Gujarat-born cricketer hit two consecutive sixes in his first over and the second lofted drive struck Ellis on the front of his head before sailing over the ropes. Although the umpire initially called it a four, he then revised his decision and gave the batting team six runs. Instantly, after the six, Ellis left the field for a concussion test, and after passing the test, he went on to bowl six more overs. Ellis, however, got his revenge and ended up dismissing Raval, who scored 149.
After the conclusion of the match, Raval stated that he was worried after the ball hit Ellis’ head and was relieved that it was not dangerous.
"Whenever anybody gets hit in the head, your immediate concern is for the person, and I was worried Andrew had hurt himself. But, thankfully, it soon looked like he hadn't been injured by what had seemed a nasty blow. He's a true Cantab, a very tough nut, and it was a relief for me to see him carry on and complete the game without any visible effects. My hope for him is that he won't experience any delayed concussion. It's certainly not pleasant for anyone to experience that in a game," Raval said, reported ESPN Cricinfo.
That is one tough nut. The stroke was recorded as 6, one bounce off Andrew Ellis's scone. Passed the concussion test & carried on....😬 #FordTrophy pic.twitter.com/2zsfLCI3qd
— #NZIII (@MargotButcher) February 20, 2018
