'I think the broadcast might’ve pumped that up a little bit' - Tayla Vlaeminck clarifies on speed gun issues post clocking 145kph

After completing the one-off historic pink-ball Test match against Australia, India were up against them in the first T20I at Carrara on Thursday (October 7). Although rain played a spoilsport, the match had enough good performances from both sets of players. For the visitors, the returning Jemimah Rodrigues fired and scored an enterprising unbeaten 49. There was a touch of class and nonchalance in her stroke play.

With India struggling a bit by losing both their openers with only 37 onboard, Rodgriues consolidated a bit and later accelerated well by taking on the hosts’ bowlers. Meanwhile, Australia had Tayla Vlaeminck, who bowled a hostile spell of fast bowling and clocked a speed of 145kph. The pacer has a reputation to bowl fast and accelerate up the speedometer but a few untimely injuries have halted her progress. Nonetheless, Vlaeminck recovered from the injury and has added a bit of extra pace to her bowling.

With Australia electing to field after winning the toss, skipper Meg Lanning gave the first over to Vlaeminck. Right through her four-over spell, the youngster kept bowling with great pace and control. But the ball which had the spectators and broadcasters talking was the one she bowled Shafali Verma. Considering the India batter does not like short-pitched bowling, the pacer banged one in short which Verma wanted to hit but could not as it whizzed past her.

When quizzed by the broadcaster during the post-match conference, Vlaeminck had a wry smile on her face and said “I’ll take that! No error in that whatsoever.” She further explained that she was not aware that she had delivered a 145kph ball.

I didn’t look up at the speedometer: Tayla Vlaeminck

“If I had looked up, I would’ve had a little smile, I think. But no I think the broadcast might’ve pumped that up a little bit,” she added.

Speaking about the first T20I, Rodrigues steadied India’s ship and was playing with intent to score some quick runs. In the company of wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, she took India to 131 for four in just 15.2 overs. Both the batters were looking good before rain lashed the proceedings. The points were shared by both the teams 1-1. Australia leads the multi-format series with 7 points and India have got 5 points.