Once in a while, players come up with shots that confound and stretch our expectations of what is possible.
Loye sweep: We've seen sweeps off medium fast bowlers going for six before - Ijaz Ahmed comes to my mind. But would you imagine someone doing it against the express pace of Brett Lee or Shane Bond? Mal Loye did exactly that, after breaking into the England team last month aged 35. He had a reputation for that particular shot in English domestic one day and Twenty20 competitions and there was a buzz of anticipation on his debut, with everyone wondering if he has it in him to produce it at international level. He has removed all doubts.
Dhoni Whiplash: This shot is not just extra-ordinary, it is incredible, unprecedented, all-defying. If Mahendra Singh Dhoni's muscular pyrotechnics gave him instant stardom, this made him immortal, irrespective of whatever else he does in his career. And it is only getting more and more outrageous - watch the last minute of this highlights package. How the hell did that first whip go for six over long off?
Marillier Scoop: Zimbabwean Douglas Marillier came out of nowhere in a 2001 match, scooping balls deliberately over the keeper and adding a new shot with his name to the cricket lexicon. The shell-shocked bowlers had no answer and India lost from what seemed to be an impregnable position. The shot is now more commonly employed, here is a good demonstration by Dinesh Karthik(Tapas Alert :)). Also look for Dada's bemused expression.
PS: Loye is at it again, this time against McGrath, who must have thought he'd seen everything! England looking good in the 2nd final so far.
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I have been watching a Dhoni short with a very different follow through, which is pretty unique. Instead of the bat going over the shoulder and behind, he makes a complete circle in front of his face. It looks like a very strange short at first look, but a replay will tell you that Dhoni needs a longer follow through - a complete circle.
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