Netherfield pro equals league batting record
Kruger in explosive action against Preston |
Netherfield's Australian professional Nick Kruger stole the individual highlights in round 7 as he equalled the Northern League record by hitting a blistering 208 for Netherfield against Preston at Parkside Road.
The scorecard link is here:
http://npcl.play-cricket.com/website/results/1314315
Netherfield's total of 353 for 5 declared was also a new record total for the league.
The 26-year-old Kruger made 208 off 109 balls with 23 fours and ten sixes. When he was dismissed, caught in the deep by David Fisher off Sajid Patel he had equalled the league record set by Darwen pro Atif Ashraf, who made 208 not out against Barrow in 2007
The scorecard link is here:
http://npcl.play-cricket.com/website/results/852083
Netherfield also surpassed their previous league record total which they had set by scoring 319 for 2 declared against Fleetwood in 2005
http://npcl.play-cricket.com/website/results/610505
The league record was then surpassed by St Annes who scored 325 for 5 at Carnforth in 2007:
http://npcl.play-cricket.com/website/results/851874
Sydney born Kruger, the opening batsman for Queensland, put on 96 for the first wicket in 11.3 overs with Craig Walmsley (45) and 179 for the fourth wicket in only 19.5 overs with John Huck (59 not out) before being dismissed with score on 322. He reached his first hundred off 57 balls and his second off only 52, hitting sixes on both occasions.
Netherfield Marc Hadwin called a halt with 4.4 overs unused but despite having 54 overs to face Preston gallantly fought out a draw, closing on 212 for 8. Kruger completed a busy day by bowling 16 overs in the searing heat and taking three for 48.
Afterwards Hadwin paid tribute to the Netherfield professional. "it was a sensational innings, absolutely amazing," hadwin said. "i've never seen anything like it. some of his sixes were enormous and the innings was a spectacle to watch from ball one. he got good support from craig walmsley and john huck but just kept going.
"Nick didn't know he was on the verge of beating the record when he got out. But he doesn't play the game for records, just for fours and sixes. He's a tall, left-handed batsman who packs incredible power into his shots and his display was phenomenal."
Hadwin has played alongside some great professionals during his 20 years at Netherfield including Callum Ferguson, Pierre de Bruyn, Charl Langeveldt, Dale Benkenstein, Pieter Strydom, Jacques Kallis and Geoff Foley and rates Kruger among the best.
"Batting wise he is not far off some of the great players we've had at Netherfield," Hadwin added. "Certainly he's one of the most destructive. He doesn't let you get away with a bad ball and if he stays in long enough he'll destroy the bowling attack."
(Thanks to Netherfield CC chairman Wallie Thompson for the photos)
