Cricketer ‘channels Geoff Boycott’ as he faces 137 balls without scoring in one of dullest matches ever
A BATSMAN faced 137 balls without scoring a run as his team crawled to one of the dullest cricket draws ever.
Ian Bestwick blocked every delivery while at the crease for more than two hours.
He ended the match on nought not out, with many comparing his dull defensive display to ex-England star Geoffrey Boycott — famous for his slow scoring.
At one point, Ian was clean-bowled by a 14-year-old — but it was ruled a no ball by his own skipper, who was umpiring.
And at 19-4, he was joined by a Thomas Bestwick, who hit just four off 71 balls.
Darley Abbey 4th had a target of 218 runs in 45 overs to beat Mickleover 3rd in the Derbyshire County Cricket League’s Division 9 South on Saturday.
They racked up just 21 — nine from wides and no balls — but ended with six wickets intact to clinch the draw and three points.
Mickleover batter Tim Rance, 54, said: “It was a very dull experience. They must have decided not to lose because Ian just blocked out every shot.
“We tried everything — spin, seam, bouncers — but couldn’t get him out. We were saying to him, ‘Just hit it,’ but he didn’t.”
Darley chairman Dave Jepson said: “As far as we’re concerned, it was played within the rules of cricket and the competition.”
Darley are bottom of the table, 36 points behind Mickleover.
Boycott took 140 minutes to score just 16 runs in a 1965 Test against South Africa.
Nasser Hussain scored England’s slowest ever century, taking 343 balls.