On this day, 1990, Bert Vance conceded 77 runs in an over.
In fact, the umpie miscounted and called "over" after five balls.
This was in a First-class match.
Vance was playing for Canterbury against Wellington.
Here is what happened.
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In fact, the umpie miscounted and called "over" after five balls.
This was in a First-class match.
Vance was playing for Canterbury against Wellington.
Here is what happened.
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Until then, Wellington had 61 points.
A win would get them 16 points and guarantee the Shell Trophy.
If not, they would have to wait for other matches.
With 48 points, Canterbury had a chance as well.
Wellington were bowled out for 202. Canterbury declared on 221/7.
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A win would get them 16 points and guarantee the Shell Trophy.
If not, they would have to wait for other matches.
With 48 points, Canterbury had a chance as well.
Wellington were bowled out for 202. Canterbury declared on 221/7.
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Canterbury, and not Wellington, got four points for the lead.
Wellington now batted quickly to declare on 309/6. Canterbury needed 291 in 59 overs.
From 86/3, Canterbury slipped to 108/8, but Lee Germon and Roger Ford hung on for two hours.
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Wellington now batted quickly to declare on 309/6. Canterbury needed 291 in 59 overs.
From 86/3, Canterbury slipped to 108/8, but Lee Germon and Roger Ford hung on for two hours.
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Canterbury reached 196/8, but the score did not matter.
Only two overs remained. If they batted it out, Wellington would not win it.
At this point, Wellington coach John Morrison and captain-wicketkeeper Ervin McSweeney decided to bait Canterbury.
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Only two overs remained. If they batted it out, Wellington would not win it.
At this point, Wellington coach John Morrison and captain-wicketkeeper Ervin McSweeney decided to bait Canterbury.
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Germon and Ford would not take risks otherwise.
But what if they are given the impression that 95 in 2 overs was gettable?
McSweeney asked Vance to bowl off-breaks.
In a career spanning six seasons, Vance had bowled only 39 overs.
Now, he would bowl according to a plan.
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But what if they are given the impression that 95 in 2 overs was gettable?
McSweeney asked Vance to bowl off-breaks.
In a career spanning six seasons, Vance had bowled only 39 overs.
Now, he would bowl according to a plan.
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He bowled enormous no-balls.
At times, he started several steps ahead of the bowling crease to ensure the no-ball was enormous.
Only one out of the first 17 balls was legal.
And he bowled slow full-tosses and long-hops.
Germon kept hitting. The fielders did not move.
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At times, he started several steps ahead of the bowling crease to ensure the no-ball was enormous.
Only one out of the first 17 balls was legal.
And he bowled slow full-tosses and long-hops.
Germon kept hitting. The fielders did not move.
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In all, there were 22 balls, 17 of which were no-balls.
One cannot blame the umpire for miscounting. I would have, for sure.
Remember, back then, if you hit a six off a no-ball, the team got six runs and not seven. And there were no free hits.
And yet, 77 came off that over.
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One cannot blame the umpire for miscounting. I would have, for sure.
Remember, back then, if you hit a six off a no-ball, the team got six runs and not seven. And there were no free hits.
And yet, 77 came off that over.
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Six fours, eight sixes.
Mostly from Germon, but Ford managed to get a four and a single as well.
But the plan almost backfired, for now Canterbury needed 18 from the last over (what if the umpire had counted the last ball?).
Evan Gray came to bowl. Germon continued to hit.
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Mostly from Germon, but Ford managed to get a four and a single as well.
But the plan almost backfired, for now Canterbury needed 18 from the last over (what if the umpire had counted the last ball?).
Evan Gray came to bowl. Germon continued to hit.
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He scored 17 off the first 5 balls.
But by now, everyone had lost track of the score. Neither Germon nor Ford had no clue that the scores were level.
He blocked the last ball.
Germon and Ford got to know of the missed opportunity only once they reached the pavilion.
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But by now, everyone had lost track of the score. Neither Germon nor Ford had no clue that the scores were level.
He blocked the last ball.
Germon and Ford got to know of the missed opportunity only once they reached the pavilion.
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In the Wellington camp, coach Morrison later admitted to almost having a heart attack.
Wellington were docked four points for slow over rate. They were reduced to 57.
They still won that year.
Wellington were docked four points for slow over rate. They were reduced to 57.
They still won that year.
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