OTD in 2002: Astle's Iconic Innings Left England in Tatters
Astle smacked 222 vs England [Twitter]
On this day, in 2002, former New Zealand cricketer, Nathan Astle went on a rampage against England at the Jade Stadium in Christchurch, smashing the fastest-ever double century in Test cricket, leaving the spectators and his opponents completely gobsmacked.
The right-hander batter walked onto the field in the 43rd over of the second innings, with New Zealand struggling at 119/3, and the match seemed to be a lost cause. However, the Kiwi batsman had other ideas and decided to take matters into his own hands, wreaking havoc on the English bowlers.
Astle unleashed a masterclass in power hitting, taking the England bowlers to the cleaners with his natural style of play. He flayed at anything wide, punched down the ground, and crunched the short stuff with ease, making the English bowlers look like amateurs.
The Kiwi veteran’s innings was a rollercoaster ride, with highs and lows, twists and turns, and nail-biting moments. His partners kept falling around him like ninepins, but he remained unfazed and continued to flay the English bowlers with his blade.
With McMillan (24) and Parore (1) falling cheaply, it seemed as if the Kiwis were headed for a dark ending, but Astle remained unfazed. He continued to pulverize the English bowlers, reaching his century in just 114 deliveries, hooking Flintoff for four after substitute Craig White produced a dreadful misfield on the fence.
How it panned out
As wickets tumbled at the other end, Astle decided to have a go at everything. He danced down the pitch and whacked Hoggard for a straight six on the first ball of the next over. Caddick, who Astle played plenty of cricket with in the age-grades, then suffered at the hands of Astle as he went for 38 runs in seven balls.
The erstwhile cricketer's second century came off just 39 balls, and he celebrated it with his arms aloft, trotting down the pitch to a massive ovation from all.
Astle's inning was a sight to behold, as he registered 28 boundaries and 11 sixes, bringing up his double century off just 153 balls. However, despite his heroics, New Zealand fell short of the target by 98 runs, and the English team emerged victorious.
The 51-year old's legendary innings of 222 runs will forever remain etched in the cricketing history. It was an unforgettable display of skill, fearlessness, and determination, showcasing the true spirit of the sport.
Astle represented the Kiwis in 81 Tests, 223 ODIs and four T20Is. He called it quits from international cricket in 2007, just ahead of the 50-over World Cup in the West Indies.
 "Jatin")
