It was a game that had everything, threatening to overshadow Australia’s historic Ashes victory on the same ground just a few days earlier.The 5,000 fans who ventured to Adelaide Oval for the ‘Roo’s XI’ v ‘Boof’s XI’ Mitre 10 Twenty20 match were treated to an evening of textbook cricket punctuated by moments of flamboyance, supreme skill, excitement and, particularly for ‘Roo’s XI’ batsmen, extreme fear.Roo’s XI captain Mark Ricciuto’s decision to bat wasn’t a straightforward one. Adelaide Oval curator Les Burdett, who was perhaps sending a message to critics of his pitch for the recent Test match, had prepared a wicket with something for both batsmen and bowlers. While still a flat and hard track, the slight tinge of green on the surface would create movement and seam for Redback legends Jason Gillespie and Shaun Tait. However, Ricciuto was also excited at the prospect of having leg-spinner Kenny McGregor bowling into the footmarks of a deteriorating second innings pitch.Former state junior cricketers Nathan Bassett and Matthew Bode opened the batting for Roo’s XI, and it was Bode who was sending a clear message to Redback speedster Shaun Tait. His decision to wear a hat rather than a helmet was in the mould of West Indian legend Viv Richards’ famous challenge of Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee – “If you hit my hat you can keep it”. A master of reverse psychology, Bode pinned his faith in Tait being too scared of the potential death count if he was to drop one short.However, this meant the helmeted Bassett was on the receiving end of some genuine quality fast bowling, receiving a scorching full delivery that crashed into his pads, sending the Crows defender crashing to the ground. Words were exchanged and a fired up Tait added an extra couple of metres to his run up – coming in from somewhere near the River Torrens.A shaken Bassett soon settled, racing to 33 from 17 balls before being caught by Ferguson from a Mark Cleary delivery. After his dismissal, Bassett denied widespread speculation he was frightened of Tait: “Nah, I only fell over because I was going to hit him over the cover fence and then changed my mind and tried to hit him over midwicket. And then I tried to charge him and tripped.” Well, to be honest Bassett didn’t say exactly say these words but we believe it fairly represents his views.With Bode, Tregenza and McGregor all failing to push on from 14 runs, it was up to Roo’s XI wicketkeeper Chris Knights to settle the side. He occupied the crease, maintaining a healthy strike-rate of around 100, and managed to avoid a threatening Shaun Tait bouncer. But only just. Although given warning of the coming delivery by both Lehmann and Tait, a stunned Knights stood like a rabbit caught in the glare of headlights, failing to pick up the ball that whizzed past his nose. He was then dismissed for 21 after cracking a cover drive from a Darren Lehmann off-spinner down the throat of Matthew Elliot.Mark Ricciuto came and went, bringing to the crease Andrew Jarman. He strutted across the oval Mick Jagger style, to the tune of the Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”.The mood darkened, with the North Adelaide coach immediately thrown into controversy. Jarman, who was bowled first ball by Greg Blewett, remained at the crease after a late “no-ball” call from umpire Graham Cornes.Jarman then took advantage, spanking a hapless Blewett to all parts of the ground in a quick-fire 16 which included a six and two fours.The pressure was still on Roo’s XI, who were seven wickets down for 145 runs. A storm began to roll in, and dark clouds cast a shadow over the Crows players. Was the pressure too much to handle? Had the footballers bitten off more than they could chew? What was for dinner? Such questions were pondered by Mark Ricciuto, as beads of sweat began to form on his forehead.Roo’s XI were in need of inspiration, and inspiration is what they got.Boof’s XI made the arrogant decision of handing wicketkeeping duties to former test opening bowler Jason Gillespie. This inspired Tony Modra, who began to treat the bowlers with contempt.Modra smashed his way to 45 from 18 balls, in an innings that included seven fours and two monster sixes. His timing was near perfect, and his 15 minutes in the centre of Adelaide Oval were a careful balance between elegance and brute force. He was well supported by Darren Jarman, who contributed 19 runs to the tally in a partnership of 56 runs.Gillespie silenced his critics, with near perfect glovesmanship that brought three important stumpings for Boof’s XI. He had the bails off in a flash, and sent Modra, Darren Jarman and Douglas back to the pavilion.Tyson Edwards was left not out on six runs, as the Roo’s XI innings came to a close on 215.

Boof’s XI, set a significant challenge by Roo’s XI, immediately looked comfortable against the inexperienced bowling attack.Boof’s XI opening batsmen Callum Ferguson and Mark Cosgrove were not fooled by Tony Modra, who bowled a football with his first delivery. They went on to batter Modra and Andrew Jarman to all parts of the Adelaide Oval. Jarman tried many theatrics, including beginning his run up from the side screen. Like a rolling snow ball he gathered momentum, only to deliver a slow-medium paced ‘pie’ that was consequently spat into the Chappell Stands.The result was similar for most of the Roo’s XI bowlers. Bode, who was originally self-categorised as an “express-pace” bowler, had his confidence shattered by his opponents and finished his two over spell with gentle, non-threatening spin.Richard Douglas was bullied by the Redbacks like a schoolboy. When batting, the youngster fell victim to the mind games and struggled to make a run, was abused over the PA system by his captain and in the early overs in the field he grassed a simple catch. Andrew Jarman relentlessly berated him from deep mid-wicket. However, his luck changed when Mark Cosgrove became sick of belting fours and skied a catch to Darren Jarman at cover.The Jarman brothers were outstanding in the field. Andrew Jarman was particularly active, ‘sprinting’ to all parts of the oval and taking a catch in the deep that brought the crowd to its feet.Mark Ricciuto was the pick of the bowlers, with figures of 1/7 including the prized scalp of Greg Blewett. Unlike many of his team mates, Ricciuto concentrated on a McGrath-like line and length that frustrated Blewett, who fell to a rash shot.He managed drag the batsmen down to his level and the pressure returned to Boof’s XI, who were forced to bring in pinch-hitter Shaun Tait to score the final runs in the last over.Tony Modra was the Mitre 10 player of the match, and was appreciative of the vocal crowd and the Crows Foundation, of which all proceeds from the event were put towards.Boof’s XI may have stolen victory with last few balls of the day but it was Roo’s XI which departed Adelaide Oval having earned the respect of their peers and the sporting community alike. Or so says Ricciuto.