Teenager Matt Carter creates record by scalping 7 wickets on County debut
19-year-old Matt Carter of Nottinghamshire spun his way into County record books on Monday, taking seven for 56 to bowl Nottinghamshire into a strong position in their First Division match away to Somerset. This was the most successful debut by an off-spinner in the English County Championship for 77 years.
Somerset were well-placed at 112 for two in reply to Nottinghamshire's first innings 410 when the baby-faced spinner began to make inroads. He took 7 wickets in only 12 overs. Decimated by the unlikely nemesis with a very classical action, Somerset were bowled out for 200.
Carter's figures were the best by a spinner on Championship debut since Australian Jack Walsh took seven for 46 for Leicestershire against Northamptonshire in 1938.
First wicket a proud moment: Carter
The youngster spoke on the dream debut afterward: "My first ball was a nervous one, but the lads were talking to me and after my first over was finished I felt a lot more confident.
"It's always nice to see a ball turn, especially on day two, and that is a bonus for me because my height allows me to get extra bounce.
"Getting my first wicket was a really proud moment for me, but my best ball was the one that got Alfonso Thomas."
High praise that has been pouring in for the talented youngster since yesterday’s match:
Brilliant to see young Matthew Carter taking 7fer on debut for Notts at Taunton. Off spin lives on!!
— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) June 15, 2015
Congrats carter. @jamestaylor20 told u this kid was special #nottsgottalent https://t.co/GQDzOz7z7j
— Darren Sammy (@darrensammy88) June 15, 2015
Teenager Matt Carter takes 7-56 - the best @TrentBridge first-class bowling debut in 100 years http://t.co/WrbdRYUUD3 pic.twitter.com/apgnyAXUXv
— ECB (@ECB_cricket) June 15, 2015
Matt Carter has the best FC bowling debut for Notts in 100 years! 7-56 & Somerset all out for 200! #SomvNotts pic.twitter.com/ziAir97VKZ
— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) June 15, 2015
Just witnessed something very special again from a young Notts lad. 7-56 on debut. Matthew Carter, remember the name. #Outlaws
— Steven Mullaney (@Mull05) June 15, 2015