Richard Gleeson received his maiden T20I cap ahead of the second match of the ongoing series between the Indian cricket team and the England cricket team. He is one of the oldest debutants in England’s history as he received his maiden cap at the age of 34 today.
Gleeson is an express pace bowler who has stolen the show today by dismissing the trio of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant on his T20I debut. His first wicket was Sharma who tried to play a pull shot off a short delivery but ended up giving a catch to wicket-keeper Jos Buttler.
In the next over, Gleeson got the top edge of Virat Kohli’s bat and the ball traveled towards the thirdman region. Dawid Malan pulled off an excellent catch to send Kohli back to the dressing room. On the very next delivery, Gleeson dismissed Rishabh Pant caught behind as India were reduced to 61/3 after a 49-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Pant.
Earlier in the day, captain Jos Buttler spoke highly about Gleeson at the toss. Here’s what Buttler said:
“We’re going to bowl first. Expect it to stay a good wicket, small boundaries and fancy a good chase today. Two changes – David Willey and Richard Gleeson come in for Reece Topley and Tymal Mills. (On Gleeson) His strengths are good pace, he’s got some death-bowling skills as well. Excited for him playing his first game today. Great chance to bounce back.”
Twitter reacts as Richard Gleeson gets off to a dream start in T20I cricket
Here’s how fans on Twitter reacted to the top-quality performance from Gleeson:
Imagine making your debut for England aged 34 and getting the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant IN YOUR FIRST MATCH! Richard Gleeson living out every cricket fan's fantasy 👏👏👏 #ENGvIND
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) July 9, 2022
Richard Gleeson didn't play professional cricket until he was 27, and eight months ago was considering retirement due to a back injury.
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 9, 2022
Today he has dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in his first eight balls on T20I debut at the age of 34 🔥 #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/t3Sdo4nOlu
Richard Gleeson’s first 1️⃣2️⃣ balls in IT20:
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 9, 2022
7️⃣ dots
6️⃣ runs
And just the 3️⃣ wickets of Pant, Kohli & Sharma
PHWOARRR 😍😍😍😍😍#ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/Cm3YbsmtX4
Richard Gleeson has bowled eight balls in international cricket, and he's got Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant out!
— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) July 9, 2022
🏴 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/a2z9Im4KP9
Richard Gleeson:
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 9, 2022
November 2021 – considering retirement due to injuries.
July 2022 – picked Rohit, Virat and Pant in the first 8 balls of his international career.
FLASH STAT: Richard Gleeson becomes the fourth England player to makes his T20I debut at the age of 34+
— 🏏Flashscore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) July 9, 2022
The other three?
Paul Nixon, Jeremy Snape, Darren Gough
FOLLOW LIVE:
👉 https://t.co/zI7XVci8K9 👈#ENGvIND | #INDvENG
Last two years…full of injuries. At the beginning of this year retirement was on the cards.
— Kaushik (@CricKaushik_) July 9, 2022
One final attempt. Highest wicket taker for Lancashire in the Blast. Now making his England debut at the age of 34.
Richard Gleeson.
A dream start for Richard Gleeson. #ENGvINDpic.twitter.com/tSlko7RiU2
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 9, 2022
WICKETS!
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) July 9, 2022
Richard Gleeson gets rid of both Virat Kohli (1) and Rishabh Pant (26) off consecutive balls.
Dream debut! 🤩
🇮🇳 61/3 #ENGvIND #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/NfZjXm0nqa
Richard Gleeson is having a great T20I debut🧢#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/5jiGbb9ttZ
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 9, 2022
