Brisbane : New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder made a mockery of his critics who ridiculed him for being too fat to play cricket by smashing a world record 16 sixes against Australia A in Brisbane Sunday.
Ryder, 27, blasted 175 off 137 deliveries primarily against Australia A’s spinners and part-time bowlers at Allan Border Field.
His 16 sixes equalled the world record jointly held by former Australian allrounder Andrew Symonds and New Zealand’s Graham Napier for the most sixes in a first-class innings.
Steve Smith (0-95 off 16 overs) and Michael Beer (1-117 off 23 overs) were belted everywhere and cars at the parking lot outside the pint-sized ground were in danger, according to Herald Sun.
Australia A quicks Ben Cutting, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson are all in the frame for a Test debut at the Gabba this week and were only bowled sparingly.
The Kiwis scored 476/6 in their second innings with Ross Taylor too spanking 138 with 11 fours and seven sixes as the match ended in a draw. The visitors made 423 in the first innings and Australia A replied with 395.
Ryder has had weight and alcohol-related issues and criticism have never been far apart since his 2008 debut.
Ryder arrived here smarting from fresh barbs in the press, questioning how his fitness would stack up in the upcoming Test series Down Under.
“There has been a lot made of him back home in the last week or so,” Taylor said of Ryder.
“It was good for him to show a lot of character.”
Asked about the record, Ryder said: “I didn’t have a clue – the boys said later it was close to a world record or something.
“It’s a bit disappointing to miss out actually.”
Ryder shared 122 runs for the fifth wicket with Dean Brownlie – the latter contributing only 19.
Ryder was dismissed when he poked an innocuous delivery and was caught by Ed Cowan at square leg, giving Nic Maddinson his debut first-class wicket.
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