With the bat, with the ball or in the field, Jack Edwards did it all – and could do no wrong – on Friday night.
And his final stunning solo effort personified his brilliant all-round game.
Edwards played a crucial role in the Sydney Sixers’ dominant 39-run Qualifier win over the Brisbane Heat, which earned them a home final at the SCG next week.
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The 23-yer-old opened the batting and made a quick-fire 16 runs off eight balls before he was also asked to open the bowling in the second innings. The move paid dividends for Sixers skipper Moises Henriques, with Edwards finishing with 2-26 and one maiden from his allotted four overs.
Edwards also took four catches during the Heat’s innings, becoming just the fourth player in BBL history – after Alex Doolan, Dan Christian and Glenn Maxwell – to do so.
And he saved his best catch until last with a magical effort off his own bowling.
With his Sixers cruising to victory, Edwards sent down a short-of-a-length ball to Heat batter Spencer Johnson, who rocked onto the back foot and smashed the ball right back at Edwards.
Remarkably, Edwards casually stuck his right hand out towards the ball while following through and somehow took the catch. His somewhat lackadaisical celebration only added to the moment.
Meanwhile, Johnson, Heat fans and Fox Cricket commentators were left stunned by Edwards’ caught-and-bowled.
“Oh no way … That is a top-draw effort,” Fox Cricket’s Mark Howard said.
Triple World Cup winner Adam Gilchrist added: “That’s cool … the big fella has had a night out.
“I don’t think he believes it.”
Edwards said he was particularly pleased with how he bowled against the Heat.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Edwards told Fox Cricket post-match.
“I just wanted to contribute to the team and on that wicket with that new ball, it was all about just trying to hold a length. Very pleased with how it went.”
The Sixers will now host the final at the SCG next Wednesday.
The Heat on Monday night will face the winner of Saturday night’s Knockout between the Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers.