Nervous 90s are definitely a thing, admits Jack Leach
Test debutant Jack Leach admits that the ‘nervous 90s’ is definitely a real thing after his dream of a Test hundred at the Lord’s ended on 92. Leach, who had just two half-centuries in 108 first-class innings, went on to bat for over three-and-a-half hours on day two of the match against Ireland.
After a miserable day one for the world champions, they needed someone to show a stern character in the fightback. Sent out to bat as a night watchwoman, Leach resumed day two on from his overnight score on nought. Despite losing his co-opener Rory Burns early, Leach stitched together a 145-run stand with fellow debutant, Jason Roy. Roy struck 72 to notch up his maiden Test fifty, but all the attention was on the left-handed tailender.
Leach, who had a prior average of 11 in first-class cricket, made a career-best 92. His dreams of a hundred at Lord’s was cut short by Tim Murtagh, who had him caught at slips. Leach looked extremely nervous as he approached triple digits, admitting that his mind was playing all sorts of tricks inside.
“I know now that the nervous 90s are definitely a thing. You think ‘I’m only two shots away’ and I was having some weird thoughts. I was trying to tell myself not to think about it which kind of made me think about it. I can’t believe it really,” Leach told AFP.
However, the 28-year-old was mighty pleased that he could soak up the pressure and lead England’s way back into the Test match.
“I just went out to try and do a job for the team I guess and try and soak up some balls. It probably went a little bit further than I thought it would,” Leach added.
Meanwhile, Leach’s father, Simon, who had tickets to the match, opted to stay home instead because of the soaring temperatures.
“He was going to come but he saw the weather forecast and said it was too hot. I don’t think it would have been a good place for him to be today, he could have died! I think it was best he stayed at home in the cool. I gave him my house key and he went over so he’s literally been at mine watching the whole time. I’ll catch up with him later on,” the 28-year-old said.
After Roy fell with the score at 171, Ireland’s pacemen then took seven wickets for 77 runs to leave the four-day match in the balance. England were 303 for nine at stumps, with a lead of 181 runs.
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