HAMPSHIRE quick Dom Kelly admitted "it was nice to get all the boys around to celebrate" following his historic performance against Derbyshire on Wednesday
Kelly took Hampshire’s first List A hat-trick since 1981 and his first professional five-wicket haul to set up a crushing 143-run victory over Derbyshire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
The 18 year old dismissed Zak Chappell, Harry Moore and Daryl Dupavillon to become just the third treble taker for Hampshire – after John Rice against Northamptonshire in 1975 and Malcolm Marshall against Surrey.
The teenager was overjoyed by his headline-making performance when speaking after the game.
He said: “It all happened pretty quickly. I was in the middle of bowling in a normal game and then all of a sudden I have a hat-trick and a five-for.
“The wickets haven’t exactly been flowing for me but they have all come at once.
“I have been having a few problems with the ball this year so it was nice to get a good amount of wickets today – it makes up for the other performances where I would have liked to do better.
“I was hoping (during Wheal’s over) that I would get a chance to take the hat-trick. I said thank you to him for giving me a chance.
“I just wanted to bowl full and straight for the hat-trick ball and hope he misses it. There is nothing more to it than that.
“The umpire didn’t give it quickly but when he did I just started running, I didn’t know where I was going. It was nice to get all the boys around to celebrate.
“It was a really good performance from the team, a lot of contributions throughout the day and it was amazing for it to come together for a convincing win.
“We talked before the match that it was an important match for us with them being above us in the table, but we had a great day out.
“When you are finding your way in the team you get nervous before matches so that should calm me down and make me feel part of the team and more involved.”
Hampshire have also announced the signing of fast bowler Sonny Baker, 21, from Somerset.
Baker made his debut in the 2021 Royal London Cup against Derbyshire and took three wickets. Since he has played in 11 List A games, taking 19 wickets with a best of 6-46.
He said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Hampshire and I can’t wait to get stuck in after my injury.
"I’m looking forward to learning from the likes of Kyle Abbott, Muhammad Abbas and Keith Barker with the wide range of high-class experience they have.
"Having worked with Jamie Cook and Pop Welch at Southern Brave, I’m also excited to work with them and the rest of the staff in an exceptional environment which I’m sure will have a huge impact on my career."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here