Rawlins rolls back clock in gruelling two-day win Brothers pass test
IT HAD been a long time since Justin Rawlins had churned out the number of overs he did in Townsville’s return to the two-day format, but he said the comeback of local cricket’s “truest form” was here to stay.
The Brothers quick turned in a brilliant all-round effort in his side’s victory over Norths, hitting an unbeaten 51 and finishing with figures of 4/50 from 26.3 overs.
Bowling in tandem with Herbie Heuir (5/47), Rawlins described the switch in styles as a different kettle of fish and a new challenge for plenty of players to contend with.
However he said the grind of the contest was one he had missed, given the format had not been sighted in Townsville for a few years, and the diversity of clashes throughout the season would mean great things for the cricketing talent in the region.
“I think two-day cricket is the truest form in Townsville, it’s like Test cricket – most people who have played their whole lives would rather watch the Tests,” Rawlins said.
“You test yourself a lot more mentally being in the field for five or six hours as opposed to two or three.
“You probably have a different mindset when you bowl in two day cricket, you have more time to work a batsman over and they’re not as attacking so you try and bring them to you.
“As a format I’ve really missed it, so it’s good it’s back, I think it’s good to have a mixture throughout the year.”
Rawlins first half-century of the season was one he considered lucky in some ways, riding his luck as the ball fell between fielders and LBW shouts were turned down.
Fortunately, Norths star Sam Collingwood had delivered plenty of overs before the Brothers ace came to the crease, and Rawlins believed this played considerably in his favour.
Given Collingwood’s recent history with injuries, his weekend rival applauded the paceman’s capacity to charge through 25 overs and keep Norths in the contest
“He’s definitely one of the top three bowlers in Townsville and has been for a few years,” Rawlins said.