ESPN Cricinfo has given the award of ‘ball of the century’ to Ryan Harris’ dismissal of Alastair Cook. The ball has completely baffled a class opening batsman like Alastair Cook. It has been the first ball of the second innings of England. Ryan Harris has come from over the wicket and the ball has taken away the top of the off-stump.
The wicket has completely changed the course of the match as it has hammered the confidence of England’s batsmen. On the other hand, Australia has got the much-needed boost at the beginning of the innings.
The Ball Of The Century Indeed?
Ryan Harris has been gifted with swing and seam. He has many similarities with the legendary Australian bowler Glenn McGrath. Glenn McGrath has not been the fastest of all great Australian pacers. However, his control over line and length has made him one of the greatest of all time. Ryan Harris has got the same abilities; however, he has not been consistent throughout his whole career. That’s why he has been criticised a bit for a period of time. According to the analysts, Ryan Harris has not been able to prove his potential to the best. He has got immense talent, but somewhere the execution has not been the perfect all time.
The teammate of Ryan Harris, Steve Smith has told that the bowler has always tried to execute the perfect ball in the training sessions. He has always been hard working in the nets. Probably that has been the reason behind Harris’ perfect delivery towards Alastair Cook. Ryan Harris has told that there has been a chance for Australia to clinch the Ashes title after a long time. That decider of the Ashes test has taken place at Perth. The inspiration has always been there because of the record. So, the delivery has just been perfect at that moment.
What Was The Verdict Of The Two Players?
According to the bowler, there has been a certain plan for Alastair Cook. The plan has been to get him to play at the front foot. Ryan Harris has told that he has tried to bowl at the middle and off stump line so that he gets the slight movement which will certainly disturb the opening batsman at the beginning of the innings.
England needs 391 runs in the second innings at Perth to win the test. The dismissal of Alastair Cook has completely shifted the momentum towards Australia. Ryan Harris has been the bowler of the innings for Australia in the second innings at WACA Stadium in Perth. He has taken six important wickets with conceding just 47 runs. It has been a phenomenal spell of Ryan Harris which has secured Australia’s win in this match.
Harris’ ball has been adjudged as ‘The ball of the century’ because the ball has swung after it has bounced off the pitch. This is not a thing that will happen on a daily basis. Ryan Harris will certainly feel proud after receiving such an honour and he certainly deserves that for the sensational delivery.
