5 of the best ODI cameos of 2017
Ever since the advent of One-Day International cricket, batsmen have been groomed to play the ball on merit, meaning lofted shots were almost non-existent during the early 90s. Youngsters were advised to play along the carpet, and focus more on timing and placement.
As the 50-over format went through various transformations during the early 2000s, the approach of modern batsmen changed dramatically. Totals in excess of 300 were easily amassed, and batsmen had no second thoughts in going for big hits. With the introduction of T20 cricket in 2005, the game started to heavily tilt in the favor of big hitters.
This slam-bang approach resulted in the emergence of utility players, who could come in and play short-lived cameos. These quickfire runs played a huge role in determining the outcome of the match whilst also providing quality entertainment to the audience.
On that note, let us take a look at some swashbuckling cameos played this calendar year:
#5 Chris Gayle (40 off 29 balls vs England, West Indies tour of England)
Chris Gayle recently became the first man on the planet to score 20 centuries in each of the three formats, reiterating his credentials as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world. He is also one of very few batsmen to have scored an international century in all formats of the game.
The "Universe Boss", as he is fondly called, earned a recall to the West Indies ODI squad during their tour of England in September. In the 5th ODI at Southampton, he scored a quickfire 40 off just 29 balls, including five huge sixes. He gave his side a blazing start in almost all the matches and continued the onslaught in the T20I series that followed.
Gayle, with that knock, silenced his critics in the most stunning manner possible.