Former England cricketer Liam Plunkett swapped his cricket colours for a baseball glove on Friday, making his debut for the independent American club Oakland Ballers and claiming a strikeout.
The 41-year-old was a key figure in England’s 2019 World Cup-winning side, taking three wickets in the dramatic final against New Zealand – his last international appearance. After his cricket career, Plunkett relocated to the United States, his wife’s home, and has since played Major League Cricket for the San Francisco Unicorns.
His latest venture came with the Ballers, who participate in the Pioneer Baseball League (PBL), an independent competition and official Major League Baseball (MLB) Partner League. The seam bowler featured under the PBL’s “marketing player” exception, a clause allowing teams to temporarily sign high-profile cross-sport athletes.
Facing the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds at Raimondi Park, Plunkett started on the mound and recorded a strikeout in the process.
“Originally, I thought it’s like the ceremonial open pitch, but it was the real thing. I was first on the mound, a little bit nervous, but the catcher was excellent,” Plunkett said in a post-game interview.
“But yeah, I mean I got that strikeout. I think the hitter didn’t know what was coming. I think it was a bit unusual, a mix between bowling and then pitching.”
“Play first game, get a strikeout. What more could I ask for? Happy days!”
Meanwhile, in England, James Rew smashed an unbeaten century as Somerset condemned Gloucestershire to only their second Vitality Blast defeat of the season at Taunton on Friday.
The wicketkeeper-batter, back in the county game after being dropped by England, hit 116 from 56 balls to help Somerset to 194 for seven and an 18-run win.
Northamptonshire maintained their 100 per cent record with an emphatic 130-run victory over Essex at Wantage Road.
Chris Lynn (75), David Willey (65) and Ricardo Vasconcelos (44) were all in the runs as the Steelbacks posted 238 for six before bowling out the visitors for 108, with Calvin Harrison taking five for nine.
South Group leaders Hampshire edged to a two-wicket win over North Group leaders Yorkshire in Southampton.
Joe Weatherley top-scored with 63 before Tristan Stubbs (27no) and Chris Wood (unbeaten on 13) completed their chase of 151 with a ball to spare.
Zen Malik cracked 99 and Beau Webster 79 as Central and West Group bottom side Warwickshire beat neighbours Worcestershire by 59 runs at Edgbaston.
Adam Hose scored 49 and Matthew Waite 39 not out in reply, but the visitors fell well short.
George Munsey’s unbeaten 82 guided Nottinghamshire to a four-wicket win over Kent at Canterbury. Sam Billings had hit 64 in the Spitfires’ 184 for seven.
Lancashire claimed only their third win of the campaign as they beat Leicestershire by five wickets.
Liam Livingstone took two wickets and then hit seven sixes in a 43-ball 74 as the Lightning got home in the penultimate over.
Mason Crane’s four for 24 set Glamorgan up for victory against struggling Middlesex, who suffered their sixth defeat in seven games.
Sean Dickson (67 not out) and Asa Tribe (46) carried the Welsh side to a six-wicket triumph with 15 balls to spare.
Will Jacks scored an unbeaten 70, sharing in a partnership of 103 along the way with Josh Philippe (52), as Surrey eased to a seven-wicket victory over Sussex.
Sussex were unable to build on a strong opening stand of 94 from Harrison Ward (49) and Daniel Hughes (45) as they were bowled out for 171. Reece Topley and Tom Lawes took three wickets apiece.
