Published: Dec 17, 2013, 07:34 AM (IST)
Edited: Dec 17, 2013, 07:34 AM (IST)
Dec 17, 2013
Australian batsman George Bailey smashed 28 runs in an over to equal Brian Lara’s record of hitting most runs in an over in Tests. Bailey targeted James Anderson in the last over of the second innings before Australia declared. Bailey hit 4, 6, 2, 4, 6, 6. He hit 39 runs in 30 balls. Lara had had hit Robin Peterson the same number of runs in December 2003. The batting legend went on to score 202 in that innings. Lara’s sequence of shots were 4, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4. Below is a description of how the over unfolded.
Ball 1: Four
A good ball by Anderson outside off-stump. Bailey was caught in two minds as the ball took a thick edge and flew over the slips for a four. A lucky boundary for Bailey but Australia weren’t concerned how the runs came by.
Ball 2: Six
This one is right in the slot for Bailey. Having smacked a few in the stands during his golden run in the seven-match One-Day International (ODI) series in India, Bailey wasn’t going to miss that. He clears his front leg and hits it straight over the bowler’s head. The ball lands 105 metres behind. The carnage has truly begun.
Ball 3: Two
The ball coming on towards his legs and Bailey clips it on the onside and takes a comfortable couple. 12 runs scored of three balls.
Ball 4: Four
A wild swing of the bat from Bailey and the ball flies past deep backward square-leg for a boundary. Just what Australia wanted. A few quick runs in the morning and declare as early as possible. But Clarke wouldn’t have thought about this carnage.
Ball 5: Six
This was in the slot for Bailey and he is in no mood to flinch. Stands still and smacks it over long-off for a maximum. It wasn’t timed perfectly but had enough power to sail over the long-off fence.
Ball 6: Six
Poor bowling from Anderson. Yet again bowls full and the ball takes a pounding once again as Bailey launches it into the long-on stands.
There it is, Bailey has equalled the record of most runs scored in an over in Tests.
What followed:
After the carnage, Australia had inflicted enough damage on the England and Michael Clarke called back his batsmen declaring the innings at 369 for six setting a monstrous target of 504 for England to save the Ashes.
