Published: Jun 09, 2015, 01:55 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 09, 2015, 02:00 PM (IST)
The NatWest Series in 2002 witnessed some exciting cricket being played between all the participating nations – England, India and Sri Lanka. In the second One-Day International (ODI) of the series between England and India, Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly fell victim to a catch that Wisden then described as “one of the greatest catches ever held at Lord’s”.
The fielder was England’s fast bowler James Kirtley. While chasing a target of 272, Ganguly and Virender Sehwag got India off to a solid start and were well placed at 108 for no loss at the end of 17th over. However, they soon lost the plot losing three wickets in quick succession and were 137 for three at the end of the 27th over. Ganguly, after spending a reasonable time at the crease was batting on 43, in a bid to break the shackles he stepped out to spinner Ashley Giles on the fourth delivery of the 28th over and attempted a loft one over the long-on fence. Kirtley patrolling the long-on boundary sprinted to his left and with the ball dying on him; he dived full stretch and clung on with his left hand. His hold over the leather was firm as there was a chance of the ball popping out and what was remarkable was the fact that he grabbed it with his wrong hand.
Despite of Kirtley’s brilliance, India won the contest by six wickets courtesy to some brilliant batting from Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh. However years down the line, Kirtley’s catch is remembered as one of the finest.
