Random Cricket Photos Post 50


#RandomCricketPhotosThatMakeMeHappy

When Yasir Shah reached his 90s today, one man seemed terribly nervous and fidgety. Although we associate 'fidgety' with Steve Smith nowadays, it wasn't him who was nervous about Shah. In fact, Shah's multiple attempts to get himself out in the 90s seemed to make Shane Warne, sitting in the commentary box relive the WACA horror of 2001.

1st December 2001 was a bit of an anomaly in the story of 2000s cricket. At the WACA, Steve Waugh's Australia had been brought down to their knees by the Kiwis who piled up 534 runs and made Australia field for almost 163 overs. With Australia losing 6 wickets for 192, it seemed things were going to get worse.


Out walked Warnie to join Damien Martyn and the two started hunting down the follow on target of 334. And Warne started playing his shots. Despite losing Martyn with 64 still to get to 334, Warne continued his with his merry ways and by the time Lee got out, the score read 342.

Australia didn't have to follow-on. But the problem was Warne was inching towards his first Test ton and also losing partners at the other end. What also possibly added to his nervousness was that the day was also coming to an end and the prospect of him staying up all night worrying about his century next morning loomed large.

And that's when Warne decided to take matters in his hands. On 99, he launched Daniel Vettori for a shot he probably wanted to see sail over long on for six but one that only went as far as the square leg fielder.

Warne was out on 99. On the last delivery of the day. To give Daniel Vettori his sixth wicket of the innings. And the replays showed that Vettori's front foot was way outside the crease when it landed. It was a no-ball.

And that's how Shane Warne ended with the record of most runs in Test cricket without a century.
Poor Warnie! Must be so relieved when Yasir Shah got to his ton.

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