ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Sport
HALLWAY HERO
A 35-year-old Christchurch man who hasn’t played cricket since his early 20s has reportedly rediscovered his bowling action, despite having absolutely no reason to.
Matt Bowater was spotted by his girlfriend Clara this week performing a full bowling run-up in the hallway, apparently attempting to determine whether he could still bowl after more than a decade away from the game.
Bowater launched into a surprisingly committed bowling action for no reason, complete with a follow-through and facial expression normally reserved for a crucial fourth-innings wicket.
“I don’t know what came over me,” Bowater admitted. “I stepped into the hallway and all of a sudden it was happening. Afterwards I just thought, ‘I reckon I could still bowl’. But gee, the one delivery took it out of me”
Clara was unimpressed by the bizarre event she just witnessed, which included Bowater giving an invisible batsman an absolute earful.
“I think he may have twisted his back because immediately after it looked like his life was flashing before his eyes,” Clara said.
“I heard these heavy footsteps coming down the hallway and thought he was either being chased by a home invader or having some sort of an episode.”
Despite clinching his back during our interview, Matt was unconvinced his cricket days were over.
“I reckon I could still get a few overs in. Might even see if the lads want a net session tomorrow,” Bowater said, still wincing in medium-grade pain.
His lower back declined to comment.
More to come.
