Bowled Jackson

Geoff Doyle | June 27, 2024

For the Dozen or so who witnessed it late on a Saturday afternoon in December 2019, I am sure no one will ever forget the moment that they witness a new leg-spinning sensation.

With Everton’s B Grade hopes of an outright victory slipping away in their game against Coorparoo in Queensland Sub Districts Cricket, the overs running out, and the clouds starting to build. It was desperation stakes for the stand-in skipper Mills Jr.

He surveyed the outfield looking for that inspired bowling choice, the one that would get the boys back into the game and hopefully victory.

Unfortunately, he could not find anyone.

Then with overs slipping away, a little voice whispered in his ear. Maybe Jackson Mcarthur can land a few leggies. Who knows whether it was the desperation of the situation or his desire to ensure that everyone got a bowl, but the call went out.

Jackson - next over from the clubhouse end.

When the ball was tossed to McArthur there was an unnerving murmur from the crowd in attendance. Long-time club official Tony McGrath was heard to say "what the ...”

Jackson approached the stumps, not sure what to do, it was suggested to him by good mate Dominic Barrett that he should give his hat to the umpire, Jackson thought this was a good idea too.

He stood at the top of his bowling mark; well we think it was as he didn't bother to measure a run-up. The words of former club legend Chris White came to his mind, "Jacko you bowl shit". He composed himself and was about to move into bowl.

Suddenly a voice from the crowd shout out, it was proud father Rooster McArthur, "go Jacko". This did not deter young Jackson, who composed himself again and moved into the crease. First the right foot then the left foot and then the right again, into delivery stride with the distinctive half-broken ankle pointing toward cover.

What happened next has been described by many as truly amazing. Mills Jr keeping moved down the leg side as the ball drifted outside the pads of the batsman, then it pitched and gripped, turning viciously and thundering into middle stump 3/4 of the way up. The team went crazy, Jackson was stunned at what a masterpiece he was able to deliver first up. The vanquished batsman stood on the crease bemused by what he had just witnessed and was heard to mutter something about unplayable as he trudged off the park.

The rest of that over was a succession of balls that bounced and turned past the bat. First slip Matt Stimpson said, "Why has it taken us to round 7 to unleash this attaching weapon"

After the success of the first over the stand-in skipper decided that victory was still within reach and tossed the ball to Jackson for a second over. With 6 wickets to get at this stage, anything was possible.

And again, the leg-spinning genius got one to rip and turn, this time into middle and off. After 2 overs Jacksons figures 2 overs, 1 maiden, 2 wickets 1 run. Victory looked assured if he could keep this going.

Alas for the Everton boys, that was all that we were going to see from Jackson today, time was up, and the team were left to ponder the “what might have been”. If only Jackson was bowled earlier...

The team were able to console themselves with the fact that Tristan Bell-Blissner, feeling confident, called Keg ball on Jackson's first ball. With the wicket falling Tristan was required to shout a carton for the team. Good call T

Over a few beers, there were many comparisons to the Gatting ball or the ball of the century. Mostly these claims were by Jackson, but the beers tasted good, and the ball seemed to spin further as the evening went on.

Just for those who have not seen the Gatting ball, this is what the original one looked like.