John Barton King: First swing bowler in cricket history
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New Delhi: Stormy fast bowlers like Kagiso Rabada, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult are surprising the fans with the Major League Cricket started in America. But very few people know that these modern cricket stars are nothing compared to the deadly fast bowler who lit up the fields of America 100 years ago with his pace. We are talking about John Barton King, also known as Bart King. Born in Philadelphia, the largest city in the South American state of Pennsylvania, Bart King took 415 first-class wickets in a career spanning nearly two decades (1893–1912). During the 1908 tour of England, King took 87 dismissals in only 10 matches. It was a remarkable achievement for the 35-year-old fast bowler. The Times, London wrote about him, ‘Perhaps no one knows more about the art of swinging the ball than he does. King was said to have lost his pace but re-established himself by bringing variety and finesse to his game, typical of bowlers of the 21st century. When a 19th century American cricketer is remembered in the 21st century, it will be special. On his first tour of England in 1897, against a strong Sussex team, King took a total of 13 for 115. The unexpected eight-wicket victory for the touring club, the Philadelphians, was nothing short of a miracle.
Ranjitsinhji, possibly the first Indian to play cricket in the United States, described King’s signature ball as an inswinger. King was a player of more than six feet tall and strong body. Some writers have also called him the first swing bowler of the game. Good batsmen used to tremble before bowling with their long run-up and the art of releasing the ball by taking both hands above the head.
Ranjitsinhji, possibly the first Indian to play cricket in the United States, described King’s signature ball as an inswinger. King was a player of more than six feet tall and strong body. Some writers have also called him the first swing bowler of the game. Good batsmen used to tremble before bowling with their long run-up and the art of releasing the ball by taking both hands above the head.
With his long bounding run to the wicket, holding the ball with both hands above his head in the manner of a pitcher in the last stride, he (King) was a terrifying sight for the batsmen. The period from 1890 to 1920 is known as the Golden Age of American Sports, with King being a key player. The introduction of Major League Cricket could give cricket in the United States the much-needed boost and re-live its heyday.
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