Cricket
Henry Thornton wants to bowl fast like Brett Lee all the time.
Adelaide Strikers quick Henry Thornton will never forget the day he turned 26. What’s that? In a game that made headlines all over the world, Sydney Thunder beat them for 15 all out with a remarkable 5 for 3 against them.
“It was amazing and weird to be there. I’ve never done that well bowling in my own yard “What Thornton said
Thornton threw full-length fast balls with the same kind of bite that his hero Brett Lee used to use. The Thunder batters were so scared that all they could do was poke them behind the wicket.
Many people saw Thornton for the first time when they rushed to watch the highlights. He has blonde hair, hits the field hard, and moves quickly toward the stumps.
“I try to go faster than 140kmph all the time. You might get runs, but you could also get wickets and wipe out an entire team.” Thornton, who honors Lee by wearing his number 58, said.
“Speed is king. That’s what I’ve always thought. I’m different from other bowlers because I bowl quickly.”
Even though he hasn’t done as well since then, Thornton was the second-best wicket-taker in the BBL in the middle of the season.
People thought Thornton would reach those heights a long time ago, when he moved quickly through the junior ranks and played for Australia at the Under-19 level.
He played his first BBL game for the Sydney Sixers against the Brisbane Heat when he was 20 years old. He got rid of Jimmy Peirson for his first wicket, but he also let them score 40 runs, so he didn’t play for them again.
“When I was very young, I was thrown into it. I didn’t think I was ready at the time, “Thornton thought about the first BBL game he ever played.
But his obvious raw talent got him a contract with NSW, even though he couldn’t play because of back injuries. He was finally taken off the team at the end of the 2018-19 domestic season.
“I felt like all I needed was a chance, but I wasn’t getting it,” Thornton said. “I always thought I was good enough and had the right skills, but I wasn’t in the system. I almost turned off the power “.
Thornton didn’t give up on everything. Instead, he kept playing grade cricket in Sydney until he realized he needed to move to get his career back on track.
So, he went south to Melbourne and joined the famous St. Kilda cricket club. This is where many Victorian state cricketers get their start.
Simon O’Brien, who had been a quick for a long time, showed him how to do things better when time was running out. Adam Crosthwaite, who was captain of Victoria in the 2000s, taught him how to set fields.
In 2020-21, he had a great premier club season, taking 36 wickets at an average of 14.42. Thornton said, “I probably should have been fired from NSW, since it was the best thing that could have happened to me.” “I had to step away from the canvas and figure out how to paint.”
But even though he was a star for St. Kilda, no BBL teams were interested in him, and no team picked him up before the 2021-22 season.
“In premier or grade cricket, there are a lot of players who should get a chance but don’t because they are missed or slip through the cracks,” he said. “Just because you’re not part of a system doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.”
Tim Nielsen, the boss of the Strikers, called Thornton out of the blue while he was on vacation in Sorrento, a beautiful coastal town in Victoria, late in 2021. Nielsen was looking for a fast bowler to fill in. Thornton was on vacation at the time. He was in Sorrento.
“I knew it was a great chance,” he said. “I thought it would be great if I could play one game and bowl quickly. I was just trying to find a chance.”
Five years after his only BBL game, Thornton felt ready and able to play out in the middle. Thornton took 13 wickets at a rate of $15.92 in seven matches. This made him a regular player and a key part of the Strikers’ late-season comeback. This made him feel good about himself.
Thornton became a strike weapon in the Strikers’ strong attack, and he was often used during the powerplay or when a wicket was needed. Thornton was picked to bowl the last ball in Strikers’ heartbreaking loss to Sixers on the last ball, when a spot in the grand final was at stake. He was getting more and more important.
“My partner and I sat down when the season was over and couldn’t believe what had just happened. “It was all a blur,” he said. “I thought I was better at what I did than when I started. Even though I’m still not where I want to be, I felt better.”
Thornton’s luck kept getting better when he was named Victoria’s Marsh Cup 50-over player of the season. He was sad when Victoria didn’t give him a state contract, but his sadness didn’t last long because the top people in South Australia called him again.
Thornton said, “I didn’t think I’d be taken off the list and then put back on it.” “It was South Australia’s reward for all the hard work they had done. We’ve been through a lot.”
South Australia/Strikers head coach Jason Gillespie had never seen Thornton bowl live before last year’s BBL, but he was impressed by his ability to keep going even when things didn’t go his way. He also noticed that Thornton’s career was full of injuries, just like his own.
“I knew he had ups and downs after his quick rise to fame,” Gillespie said. “When you’re young, you want everything. I know how you feel.
“He had ideas about where he wanted to be in his own mind. He had to change how he thought and give his body time to get better. Then he moved to Melbourne after thinking about himself. He is about to start the best part of his career, and we think he could be a player for a long time.
Thornton has been helped by Gillespie’s belief in being honest. Thornton said, “The advice has been simple: be clear about what you want to do and tell the captain.” “My plans are simple: I’ll try to bowl as fast as I can and hit the stumps. On the team, this is what I do. It’s about having faith and being free to play.
Thornton’s main focus is on the BBL, but he still wants to play in a first-class match at some point. He was in the running for South Australia for the first half of the Sheffield Shield season.
Gillespie said, “Someone who can bowl at 145 km/h can be a big help. We’ve seen how devastating he can be.” ” He will need to work on his different bowling styles so that he can bowl well in all kinds of weather and on all kinds of surfaces.
“We take care not to overcook him. South Australia has nine seamers, but he is always talked about for their Shield team.”
All of that is still to come, but Thornton’s magical 26th birthday will always be something to look forward to.
“I doubt it will happen to me again at work. Something I’ll like to remember when I’m done with my work, “he said. “This year has been crazy. I just try to play every game like it’s the last.”
On Thursday, November 2, Virat Kohli achieved an accomplishment. He became the batsman to surpass 1000 runs in ODIs in 2023, following in the footsteps of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. Not that,. He also joined Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Pathum Nissanka as the fourth players to achieve this impressive record in the 50-over format within the same year.
Stepping into History with 1000 Runs in ODIs
Entering the realm of history, Kohli’s unwavering determination and exceptional skills were put on display during his match in 2023. Notably, the cricket maestro, now 34 years old, made an indelible impact by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s record, securing the most number of years with 1000 runs in ODIs. Kohli’s consistent ability to perform at such an exceptional level has been a defining characteristic of his illustrious career, as he had previously achieved this monumental milestone in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019, before accomplishing it once again in the present year of 2023.
Sachin Tendulkar with god of cricket Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/zmztejNBBB
— Kevin (@imkevin149) November 2, 2023
An Unforgettable Journey
In an intense World Cup 2023 clash against Sri Lanka at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Virat Kohli’s pursuit of this historic milestone was realized with an impressive 34 runs. Despite facing challenges, including a rare duck against England at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, his overall performance throughout the year has been nothing short of spectacular.
Kohli’s memorable journey was highlighted by an unbeaten century during India’s triumphant seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. Adding to his illustrious record, he solidified his stature with a brilliant 95 runs, making a significant contribution to India’s thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand led by Tom Latham at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Pune.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, on Tuesday, October 31, achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the third fastest bowler to secure 100 wickets in ODIs. His outstanding performance during Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh at the renowned Eden Gardens in Kolkata led to this historic accomplishment.
A Landmark Moment
In the thrilling encounter, Shaheen clinched his 100th wicket in only his 51st match, dismissing Tigers’ opening batter Tanzid Hasan Tamim. The left-arm fast bowler displayed exceptional skill as he struck Tamim on the pads, prompting the on-field umpire to raise his finger. Despite Tamim’s referral to the third umpire using the Decision Review System (DRS), the replays confirmed the ball crashing into the stumps, upholding the on-field decision. Bangladesh lost their first wicket with the scoreboard reading 0 in just 0.5 overs.
Shaheen Afridi soars high yet again with another feat to his name 🦅#CWC23 | #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/IlQQ6P5xYK
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 31, 2023
Surpassing Preceding Records
Shaheen Shah Afridi not only secured this feat in record time but also outshone the accomplishments of esteemed bowlers preceding him. He surpassed the record of the fastest pacer, previously held by Mitchell Starc, who attained the milestone in August 2016 during an ODI against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Legacy of Excellence
Moreover, Shaheen shattered the long-standing record held by Saqlain Mushtaq, becoming the fastest Pakistani bowler to claim 100 wickets in ODIs. Saqlain had set this record on May 12, 1997, during an ODI against Sri Lanka in Gwalior. It is notable that among the Pakistani fast bowlers, the accomplished Shaheen Shah Afridi follows in the footsteps of the legendary Waqar Younis, who achieved the 100-wicket mark back in February 1993 against Zimbabwe in Sharjah.
Beyond ODIs
Demonstrating his prowess beyond ODIs, Shaheen has made significant contributions in Tests and T20Is as well. Since his debut in 2018, he has garnered 105 wickets in Tests and 64 wickets in T20Is. His exceptional journey began with a strong performance in the U19 World Cup in New Zealand. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Lahore Qalandars’ consecutive victories in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
A Testament to Talent and Dedication
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s rapid rise to 100 ODI wickets within 51 matches underlines his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sport. As he continues to leave an indelible mark on the cricketing world, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide. With his remarkable achievements, Afridi has solidified his place in the annals of cricket history, etching his name as one of Pakistan’s most formidable and promising fast bowlers.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has recently expressed admiration for India’s dominant performance in the ongoing 2023 ICC World Cup. With India securing victories in all six matches, Akhtar highlighted the team’s exceptional display across various aspects of the game. Although the recent batting performance against England in Lucknow was relatively modest, India’s fierce bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, proved instrumental in securing a remarkable win. This triumph not only solidified India’s leading position on the points table but also exacerbated England’s struggles in the tournament, leaving them virtually eliminated.
India’s Remarkable Bowling Transformation
In his analysis, Akhtar emphasized the transformative impact of Shami’s inclusion in India’s playing eleven following Hardik Pandya’s injury. Acknowledging Shami’s outstanding performances against New Zealand and England, Akhtar credited India’s ability to win matches through their bowling prowess, showcasing a shift from their traditional reliance on batting strength. He commended the collective effort of the Indian bowling unit, particularly recognizing the strategic brilliance of fast bowler Bumrah.
India’s Path to World Cup Glory
Looking ahead, Akhtar voiced his confidence in India’s potential to secure their third ODI World Cup trophy, highlighting the team’s upcoming matches against Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the Netherlands. Expressing optimism, he emphasized the significance of maintaining their unbeaten streak en route to the final, setting the stage for a potential historic ICC World Cup victory. However, Akhtar cautioned against compromising the successful bowling unit once Pandya returns to full fitness, warning against the potential detriment of a partially fit Pandya’s inclusion at the expense of a bowler.
Akhtar’s Praise for India and its Response to Criticism
Addressing skepticism surrounding his praise for the Indian team, Akhtar reiterated the exceptional nature of India’s performance, particularly in their ability to defend a modest total with a significant margin of victory. Undeterred by criticism, Akhtar reaffirmed his admiration for India’s exceptional cricketing prowess, urging acknowledgment and appreciation of their commendable achievements.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Perspective on Virat Kohli
Shifting focus, Akhtar’s history of praise extends beyond team performances to individual players, notably including former Indian team captain Virat Kohli. Reminiscing on Kohli’s resilience during a challenging phase in his career, Akhtar highlighted the pivotal role played by Kohli’s consistent century-scoring performances, leading to India’s victories. Recognizing Kohli’s contribution to the team’s success, Akhtar emphasized the significance of Kohli’s monumental centuries during crucial chases, solidifying his status as a crucial asset for the Indian cricket team.
In a comparison between Kohli and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Akhtar acknowledged Tendulkar’s status as one of the greatest batsmen while highlighting the challenges Tendulkar faced as a captain. Drawing parallels, Akhtar expressed confidence in Kohli’s eventual resurgence, expecting him to return to his prolific scoring form once he finds his equilibrium.
In summary, Akhtar’s acknowledgment of India’s exceptional performance and his recognition of individual players’ contributions underscore the team’s formidable presence in the 2023 ICC World Cup, setting the stage for a potential historic triumph in the coming days.
1000 Runs in ODIs: Kohli’s Cricket Legacy
Shaheen Shah Afridi: Fastest to 100 ODI Wickets
ICC World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar says, ‘Mai India ki tareef kyu na karu’
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