The sledging from Queensland’s attack was tough – but it was nothing compared to what self depreciating Tasmanian opener Steven Cazzulino served up to himself after his Sheffield Shield final knock on Friday.
Queensland’s Test quick Ryan Harris almost tore out his hair in frustration as Cazzulino rode his luck to make a five-hour 68 to help steer Tasmania to 6-208 by stumps on day one at the Gabba.
The Bulls attack made their displeasure – and sometimes disbelief – clear to the left-handed opener who incredibly failed to hit a four in his 198-ball stay.
But the most brutal treatment came from an honest Cazzulino after being in sight of an unwanted piece of history.
“Apparently the (TV) commentators were saying there has not been a first class hundred scored in the modern era without a boundary,” he said.
Cazzulino added with a smile: “I feel if anyone can do that, I am that guy.
“It did bother me (not hitting a four). I think I was getting my ends wrong.”
When asked to speak to the media, a sheepish Cazzulino said: “Because I hit the slowest 68 in Shield final history?”
“It was a marathon effort for 60-odd, but hopefully we can look back and say that 68 counted for something.”
The opener seemed to be blessed after surviving several LBW appeals, a run out chance and a leading edge.
Then there were the countless times he played and missed, mostly off a fuming Harris (0-58 off 24 overs).
“As my innings dragged on I could see a few tired and angry bowlers, but that’s the idea of five day cricket – you want to get bowlers tired and hopefully cash in,” Cazzulino said.
“Punter (Ricky Ponting) gave me the best advice when he came out and I played and missed – he just said `next ball’.
“And when you play and miss as much as I do, that’s the best advice.
“You get on with the game, that’s all you can do.
“On a tricky wicket and a pretty formidable bowling attack – it was good fun.
“I feel like I will be a better cricketer for having that experience.”
Cazzulino was initially cut from the Tigers after Ponting returned to the side following his ODI dumping but received a reprieve when regular skipper George Bailey was called up for Australia’s tour of the West Indies.
“Getting cut didn’t dent my confidence. If you are going to get dumped for a player, Ricky Ponting is a pretty good one,” he laughed.
