When the Indian Premier League (IPL) was over halfway through the twelfth edition of the IPL 2019, Ashton Turner has managed to score his first-ever run following three ducks on the trot.
After the first ball duck on all three occasions, Turner opened his tally on April 27 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He came to bat when Rajasthan Royals were 148 for three in 17 overs.
The fuller length deliver saw tense Turner working the ball on the on-side. However, as the ball pitched it has somewhat found the middle part of the bat which twisted in Turner’s hands.
So much so, as Turner scampered for a run, Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a smile on his face who thought the ball did much after pitching.
With Turner wearing a wry smile, the Royals’ dug-out applauded Turner for opening his IPL account following a barren run.
Turner, who has scored three runs in four IPL matches is a clear picture of how he has struggled in the cash-rich league.
The 25-year-old Turner revealed he had never been in such a situation. Adding, he turned out to somewhat a pessimist following a dismal run.
IPL 2019: Duck – Duck – Duck and Three:
Interestingly, his first run came following five consecutive duck in the T20 format.
“I’ve played some selfless shots, I’ve played some poor shots as well. I know that I’m a better player than the three balls that I faced at the start of my IPL career,” Turner’s in his admission to ESPNcricinfo.
With the monkey off his back, Turner has a sigh a relief. He remarked that he has been hitting balls well during the net sessions. But everything was going opposite in his mind.
Turner, who backed himself during tough situations back in the domestic fold, revealed he felt like he has forgotten how to hold the willow.
“But there’s also that irrational side of your brain that is running rampant and starts to doubt everything that you’ve done. Even though I knew I was playing well in the nets, hitting the ball nicely. And I feel like my game suits the situation and conditions, even then, picking up my bat to face the first ball, I felt like I’d forgotten how to hold the bat,” Turner said.
However, he added when he scored a run it has eventually taken off the burden from his shoulders. Known for cleaning the ropes well, Turner had bagged a duck on his debut against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on April 16.
Besides, his horrible run continued against Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) before remaining not out on three against the SRH.
“I guess that’s a lot of pressure, and I’d never been in a situation like that. Probably the first time I’ve ever doubted my ability. But I felt like once I got that first runs. I had a massive weight lifted off my shoulders,” Turner revealed.
Turner thankful to his Royals’ teammates:
Turner has expressed gratitude to his teammates for having a belief in him. He added the management has backed him when he struggled to perform for his side.
In addition, he reiterated that it has further motivated him to pay back.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by how supportive Rajasthan have been. Picking me for games when my performances haven’t warranted that, I’ve got a real motivation to repay that faith,”
Turner said.
It is pertinent to mention, Turne recently made his ODI debut on March 2 against India. He has won the penultimate ODI of the five-match series for Australia. Turner blasted 43-ball unbeaten 84, to hand the Kangaroos a four-wicket win.
Batting first, India posted 358 for nine, before Australia chased the massive total in 47.5 overs. Earlier, Peter Handscomb has slammed a fine hundred apart from Usman Khawaja‘s 91.