The West Indies power-hitter Andre Russell was left stunned by an unexpected and perfectly-directed bouncer bowled by the Afghan leg-spinner Qais Ahmad in the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10 League on Wednesday.
Russell had only faced a couple of deliveries as Northern Warriors were chasing Bangla Tigers’ score of 102-6 when Ahmad sent down some sweet chin music Shawn Michaels would be proud of.
After completing his standard run-up, the 19-year-old spinner banged in a short ball and it was like a heat-seeking missile targeted at Russell’s head.
One of the world’s best short-form batters had no choice but to dive for cover, before looking back at Ahmad in pure disbelief. Dre Russ immediately signalled for a helmet.
“Oh..Wow! Wow! Where has that come from?” a commentator said.
“Well, now he wants his lid (helmet), he’s asked for his lid now,” added another.
How’s this for a variation? pic.twitter.com/QPakKZRuPM
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) November 20, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W4tDfbytKc&feature=youtu.be
Russell recovered to top score with a 25-ball 41 but was the only Warriors to clear the boundary as they finished six runs short on 96 for 6.
