Australian Third-Grader Creates Cricket History with Unbelievable Six Wickets in Six Balls
In an astonishing display of skill and talent, an Australian third-grade cricketer has left the world of cricket in awe. Gareth Morgan, the captain of Mudgeeraba Nerang and Districts Cricket Club, achieved a remarkable feat by taking six wickets in six balls to secure victory for his team.
The thrilling match took place in the Gold Coast’s Premier League division three, where Morgan’s team was pitted against Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise had amassed a total of 174 runs for the loss of four wickets and needed a mere five runs to win.
Morgan initially contemplated giving the ball to one of his younger teammates, thinking he would bear the brunt if Surfers Paradise scored the winning runs off him. However, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Little did he know that his decision would make cricket history.
With his very first delivery, Morgan managed to dismiss Surfers Paradise opener Jake Garland, who was attempting to finish the game with a single hit. The ball was caught at midwicket, and Garland had to reluctantly exit the field after a valiant inning of 65 runs. Garland later wrote about the unforgettable six-ball encounter, entitling his article I was first to go in a six-ball epic.
Without giving Surfers Paradise any breathing room, Morgan continued his onslaught, capturing the wickets of Connor Matheson and Surfers Paradise captain Michael Curtin in quick succession. Both batsmen fell prey to catches on the leg side, completing Morgan’s hat trick.
In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corp, Morgan revealed that after achieving the hat trick, he was determined not to let his team lose. And he didn’t disappoint. Wade McDougall was caught at point, and Riley Eckersley and Brodie Phelan were dismissed by Morgan’s brilliant bowling, leaving the non-striker stranded at the opposite end. The match ended with the opposition in disbelief and Morgan’s entire team elated.
Morgan’s incredible feat surprised not only those watching the match but also the cricket world at large. The accomplishment of taking six wickets in six balls is incredibly rare and has been achieved only three times in professional cricket, with the record held by New Zealand’s Neil Wagner, Al-Amin Hossain from Bangladesh, and Abhimanyu Mithun from India.
News of Morgan’s achievement quickly spread, catching the attention of cricket enthusiasts not just in Australia but also in cricket-crazed nations like India and England. Local television stations granted the story prominent coverage, while international websites and publications also featured the remarkable achievement.
This extraordinary event has placed Gareth Morgan in the spotlight, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination. The cricket world eagerly awaits to see what this young third-grader has in store for the future.
