Number 11 Batsman

Things happen when a number 11 batsman comes out to bat. Ground curators start to get their equipment ready. Venue caterers start preparing extra food for the impending rush. And spectators start to think about what they might choose to eat during the 10 minute break. Not much is expected of the 'last man in'. And sure enough, he is shortly dismissed.

So, as non-cricket people will inevitably ask, "Why is he even in the team?". Well, batting may not be the strong point of our number eleven. If he ever makes 50 runs, it will be over the course of a season rather than an afternoon. But once the curators have re-marked the lines, and spectators have returned to their seats, it is his turn to shine when the captain throws him the ball. While his batting may have been court jester-like, in bowling he is the king of the game.

If there's anything to be learnt from our friend the number 11 (apart from resilience) it is the knowledge of oneself and one's strengths. The ribbing he cops from his teammates does not affect him. He'll try his best with the bat, but knows it's not his forte. He knows who he is, and is comfortable with it. He knows that others (many others) will be better at batting, but this does not phase him. He's a bowler, and wouldn't want it any other way. Good on you number eleven!