Campher Admits Uncertainty About Record Due to Over Change

DUBLIN: Irish all-rounder Curtis Campher entered the record books on Thursday, becoming the first male cricketer to claim five wickets in five consecutive balls in professional cricket.

The 26-year-old accomplished this feat while playing for Munster Reds in the Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy against North-West Warriors, achieving remarkable bowling figures of 5/16 in 2.3 overs.

The right-arm pacer secured five dismissals across a couple of overs, claiming his initial wicket on the second-to-last ball of the 12th over, bowling out Jared Wilson with an in-swinging delivery.

He then caught Graham Hume lbw with another in-swinger, placing him on a hat-trick.

Campher sustained his momentum and achieved his hat-trick when Andy McBrine miscued a slog on the initial delivery of the 14th over.

The Reds captain followed his hat-trick by bagging two further wickets, removing Robbie Millar and Josh Wilson in quick succession to conclude the Warriors’ innings at 88.

Reflecting on the accomplishment, Curtis Campher mentioned that he felt some uncertainty regarding the milestone due to the change of overs and instead concentrated on his strategies, which were centered around maintaining simplicity.

“Given the change in overs, I wasn’t entirely sure of what was unfolding,” Campher stated regarding his achievement. “I simply adhered to my plans and kept things uncomplicated, which fortunately paid off.”

When questioned about whether he could have taken six wickets in as many balls if another batter had been available, Campher disagreed.

“No, I don’t believe so. It is what it is. You have to accept both the good and the bad. I’m just pleased to be out there enjoying the sunshine.”

Notably, Curtis Campher is also among a select group of bowlers who have taken four wickets in four balls in T20Is. He reached this milestone during Ireland’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 match against the Netherlands in Abu Dhabi.

Bowlers to achieve four successive wickets in men’s T20Is